Repeat Stowaway Incident Raises Security Concerns at Newark Liberty International Airport
A woman with a history of stowing away on flights has allegedly done it again, this time at Newark Liberty International Airport. Svetlana Dali, a Russian national, was discovered on a United flight to Milan that departed from the airport on Wednesday night. According to authorities, Dali managed to slip past security gates during boarding and was only discovered halfway through the flight.
CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent Kris Van Cleave reports that Dali is believed to have taken an empty seat on the plane, as there were approximately 20 vacant seats available. Flight attendants discovered her far enough into the flight that the airline decided to continue on to Milan, rather than turning the plane around. Van Cleave notes that Dali did not cause any disturbance after being discovered.
Investigation and Consequences
Once Italian authorities process Dali and decide whether to pursue any charges, it will be up to United Airlines to transport her back to the United States. Van Cleave has been informed that upon her return, Dali “will not be welcome to travel on another United flight.” United Airlines is reviewing video footage and conducting its own investigation to determine how Dali allegedly circumvented the boarding process in Newark Liberty’s C terminal.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also reviewing its procedures to understand how Dali managed to get past the ticket and identification check, or if she avoided the checkpoint altogether. This incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of airport security measures and the potential for individuals to bypass them.
Previous Conviction and History
Last May, Dali was convicted of stowing away on a Delta flight to Paris in November 2024. She was discovered after the plane took off and was taken into custody in Paris. Dali was sent back to New York City to face charges and was initially released on bail. However, she was arrested again after authorities said she removed her court-ordered GPS monitoring device and attempted to travel to Canada.
Dali was later found guilty on a federal stowaway charge and sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release with no fine. This latest incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in deterring repeat offenders and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Expert Insights and Analysis
Kris Van Cleave, CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent, contributed to this report. His expertise and analysis provide valuable insights into the incident and its implications for airport security and the aviation industry as a whole.
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