A 13-year-old Afghan boy shocked officials in Delhi when he emerged alive after travelling hidden in the landing gear compartment of a Kam Air flight from Kabul. He said his “curiosity” pushed him to attempt the dangerous stunt.

How he did it and the risks involved

The boy sneaked into Kabul airport by following passengers and climbed into the rear central landing gear bay, wedging himself inside for the one-and-a-half-hour flight to Delhi.

During take-off, the heat from the tyres melted his shoes. He used his clothes to fight the cold while curled up tightly in the confined space. Such journeys are notoriously deadly. Globally, more than 77 per cent of stowaways attempting this method have not survived.

Experts explain that the risks are severe:

  • Crushing: The landing gear retracts into a narrow compartment that can fatally trap anyone inside.
  • Extreme cold: The wheel-well is unpressurised, with temperatures plunging to freezing levels.
  • Lack of oxygen: Reduced oxygen at high altitudes often leads to unconsciousness or death.

Discovery at Delhi airport

The Kam Air flight RQ-4401 landed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport around 11 am on Sunday. Airline staff noticed the boy roaming near the plane after touchdown and alerted security.

He was apprehended and handed over to Central Industrial Security Force personnel, who questioned him at Terminal 3.

Aircraft inspection and repatriation

Security staff later inspected the landing gear compartment and found a small red-coloured speaker carried by the boy. After anti-sabotage checks, the aircraft was declared safe.

Following questioning, the boy, a native of Kunduz city, was repatriated on the same flight, which departed at 12:30 pm.