Afghan Teen Survives Flight in Kam Air Landing Gear, Raising Safety and Migration Concerns at Kabul Airport

Published: September-23-2025, 16:00 EDT

Dangerous Journey From Kabul to Delhi

Authorities in India confirmed that a 13-year-old Afghan boy made a perilous journey from Kabul to New Delhi by hiding inside the landing gear compartment of a Kam Air passenger plane. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about airport security, migration pressures, and the extreme risks some people take in search of escape or adventure.

The boy, originally from Kunduz in northern Afghanistan, was discovered on the runway at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after the flight landed safely. He appeared disoriented but unharmed and was later detained by security personnel for questioning.

Discovery at Delhi Airport

According to India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the boy managed to board Kam Air flight RQ-4401 unnoticed. The plane landed in Delhi around 11:10 a.m. local time on Sunday. Soon after landing, airport authorities spotted the teenager wandering on the tarmac.

Officials said he admitted to concealing himself in the rear central landing gear compartment of the aircraft before departure from Kabul. Security staff also recovered a small red audio speaker in his possession during a post-landing inspection.

Confusion Over Destination

Reports in The Indian Express revealed that the boy had initially wanted to travel to Iran but mistakenly boarded a flight bound for Delhi. Investigators learned that he had sneaked into Kabul International Airport, trailed behind a group of passengers, and stowed away in the wheel well without detection.

The boy told Indian authorities he had acted “out of curiosity.” After hours of questioning, officials arranged for him to be returned to Kabul on the same flight.

Risks of Stowing Away in Aircraft

Aviation experts warn that hiding in the wheel well of a plane is among the most dangerous forms of travel. Passengers concealed in this space are exposed to extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and mechanical hazards during flight.

Most stowaways do not survive long-haul journeys. Those who do often lose consciousness during descent, with the risk of falling to their deaths when landing gear is deployed. Survivors are rare and often require immediate medical care upon arrival.

Other Known Incidents

This case is not the first of its kind. In 2022, a 22-year-old Kenyan man survived a flight from Africa to Amsterdam by hiding in the wheel well of a cargo plane. Similarly, other attempts in recent years to reach Europe or the United States have ended in fatalities.

These incidents highlight both the desperation and the risks faced by individuals seeking to leave conflict-affected or economically distressed regions. While some stowaways are motivated by necessity, others, like the Afghan teenager, act out of inexperience or curiosity.

Airport Security Concerns

The ease with which the boy accessed the aircraft has raised concerns about airport security protocols in Kabul. Aviation authorities in both Afghanistan and India are reviewing the case to understand how he managed to bypass multiple layers of screening and ground checks.

The incident underscores vulnerabilities at airports in conflict regions, where resources and oversight are often stretched thin. For airlines, it also presents liability and safety challenges, as stowaway incidents can endanger both the individual and the flight’s operation.

Conclusion

The 13-year-old Afghan boy’s survival inside the landing gear of a Kam Air flight is extraordinary but also troubling. His story sheds light on the dangers of unauthorized air travel, the ongoing challenges of airport security, and the human dimensions of migration and desperation.

While this case ended without tragedy, aviation experts stress that such risks almost never result in survival. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths some individuals go to pursue escape, opportunity, or simple curiosity.

Source: BBC – Afghan boy flies from Kabul to Delhi hiding in plane’s landing gear