Afghan Boy, 13, Lands in Delhi by Hiding in Plane’s Landing Gear

September 23, 2025

New Delhi: A 13-year-old Afghan boy managed to reach Delhi by hiding inside the landing gear compartment of a flight from Kabul, officials confirmed on Monday. The boy, a native of Kunduz, reportedly sneaked into the airport in Kabul and climbed into the rear central landing gear compartment of KAM Airlines flight RQ-4401.

The flight touched down at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport around 11 am on Sunday, following a two-hour journey. Airline personnel noticed the boy near the aircraft upon arrival and immediately alerted the airport security control room. He was then handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and brought to Terminal 3 for questioning.

During questioning, the boy said he undertook the risky act purely out of curiosity, without any ill intent. Officials later conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s landing gear compartment and discovered a small red-colored speaker the boy had carried with him. After completing anti-sabotage and security checks, the aircraft was declared safe for operations.

Authorities decided to repatriate the boy to Afghanistan on the same flight, which departed around 12:30 pm on Sunday. The incident, while raising concerns about airport security at Kabul, ended without any injuries or damage to the aircraft.

The extraordinary case highlights the dangers and risks of stowing away in an aircraft’s landing gear compartment, a feat that is extremely hazardous due to high speeds, low temperatures, and lack of oxygen at altitude. Officials have stated that additional security measures are being reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future.

The teenager’s curious journey, though brief, made headlines for its daring nature, and serves as a stark reminder of the perils young individuals may face while attempting such stunts.