New York-Paris Stowaway Seeks Asylum in France

A woman who traveled as a stowaway on a flight from New York to Paris is seeking asylum in France, according to a source with knowledge of the situation who spoke to CBS, the BBC’s news partner in the US. French authorities are reportedly denying entry to Svetlana Dali, 57, stating she does not fulfill the requirements for asylum, which has left her stranded at the airport, the CBS source indicated. The Russian national has remained in France following reports of her causing a disturbance and declining to board a flight back to the US several days prior. Ms. Dali reached France last week by boarding a Delta Airlines flight from New York’s JFK airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, despite not possessing a boarding pass. French police stated that her entry into the country was denied due to the absence of a visa. Although Ms. Dali has not been arrested or detained in France, the source informed CBS that she might face charges like criminal trespass and theft of services if she returns to the US. It was revealed last week that Ms. Dali managed to pass through an advanced imaging technology body scanner at JFK airport and circumvent both document and ID checks during the security procedures. A TSA spokesperson, in a statement given to CBS, confirmed that “an individual without a boarding pass was physically screened without any prohibited items. The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded the aircraft.” However, the exact method by which she managed to clear security and board the aircraft remains unknown. Delta stated, “Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security.” The airline added, “That’s why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end.” The Guardian newspaper reported that after boarding, Ms. Dali reportedly moved between bathrooms and did not occupy a seat until flight attendants observed her. A social media video shared by a passenger captures the captain informing those on board that officials were arriving to remove the woman. In the video, he stated, “Folks, this is the captain, we are just waiting for the police to come on board. They may be here now and they directed us to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger that’s on the plane.” A passenger on the flight provided CNN with a mobile phone video of the woman, who is still in France, reportedly causing a disturbance on a separate flight intended to return her to New York. He recounted her repeating: “I do not want to go back to the USA. Only a judge can make me go back to the USA”. The BBC has not independently confirmed these videos, and the woman’s exact meaning remains ambiguous. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.