A Brooklyn jury has delivered a guilty verdict against Svetlana Dali, a Russian citizen and US permanent resident, for the audacious act of stowing away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris last November. Dali, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty on Thursday of a federal stowaway charge. The incident unfolded on November 26th, 2024, when Dali cleverly bypassed security at JFK International Airport, slipping through a crewmember lane and blending seamlessly with boarding passengers without a boarding pass.
During the trial, Dali took the stand and admitted to boarding the plane without a ticket, explaining that she simply walked onto the flight after observing other passengers boarding. She further testified that she remained in the aircraft’s bathroom for most of the flight. Video evidence obtained by ABC News shows Dali deftly navigating the boarding process, cleverly avoiding gate agents and security checks.
This incident prompted a review by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), resulting in the implementation of additional security measures at JFK to prevent future occurrences. The FBI complaint details Dali’s admission to intentionally evading security and Delta employees to avoid purchasing a ticket. Following her initial arrest, Dali compounded her offenses by cutting off her ankle monitor and attempting to illegally cross the border into Canada.
The details of the case highlight significant security lapses at JFK. Dali’s successful evasion of multiple checkpoints underscores the need for continuous improvement and stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents. While the specifics of Dali’s sentencing remain pending, her conviction serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of air travel security and the lengths some individuals will go to circumvent established procedures. The case also raises important questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for ongoing vigilance.
The incident attracted considerable media attention, partly due to the release of video footage showing Dali’s journey through the airport and onto the plane. The videos clearly show her maneuvering through the boarding process without any apparent difficulties. This case serves not only as a cautionary tale but also as a catalyst for improved security practices within the aviation industry.
