 "Representational image. File image/ Reuters")
A 13-year-old boy from Afghanistan reached New Delhi after hiding in the landing gear compartment of a flight from Kabul, officials told PTI. Authorities said his risky journey was driven by “curiosity.”
The incident occurred on Sunday morning on KAM Air flight RQ-4401. The boy, a resident of Kunduz city in northern Afghanistan, reportedly entered a restricted area at Kabul airport and climbed into the rear central landing gear compartment. The flight landed in Delhi around 11:00 am after a two-hour journey.
Airport and airline staff noticed the teenager near the aircraft after landing. He was immediately handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and taken to Terminal 3 for questioning.
During initial questioning, the boy said he had acted out of curiosity and did not fully understand the dangers involved. A small red speaker, believed to belong to him, was found in the landing gear compartment during a security inspection. The aircraft was checked thoroughly, including anti-sabotage measures, and declared safe.
The teenager was repatriated to Afghanistan on the same flight, which departed Delhi around 12:30 pm on Sunday.