Air India confirms carrying stowaways into London

Airline Industry Information, Oct 31, 2001

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Air India has confirmed that two Afghan stowaways were able to fly from Bombay to London via New Delhi on Sunday (28 October).

A spokesperson for the airline stated that the men had held tickets for passage to New Delhi, but managed to continue on to London due to a lapse in counting passengers remaining on the aircraft in New Delhi. The carrier has suspended two staff members for the security breach, Reuters reported.

News reports about the incident have stated that the men, who did not have passports or visas, were able to hide in the aircraft toilets in order to avoid detection. Once in London the Afghans, who are seeking asylum, were apprehended by Air India staff and taken to British immigration authorities.

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