Svetlana Dali, a 57-year-old Russian national and legal U.S. resident, is scheduled to be returned to New York City today after a series of incidents that began with her unauthorized boarding of a Delta Air Lines flight from JFK Airport to Paris. On November 26, 2024, Dali bypassed multiple security checkpoints at JFK Airport and boarded Delta Flight 264 to Paris without a boarding pass or valid travel documents. She remained undetected until mid-flight, when flight attendants noticed her frequent and prolonged use of the aircraft’s lavatories. Upon landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, French authorities detained her.
While in France, Dali requested asylum, which was denied. Subsequently, she was held in a deportation zone at the airport. On November 30, during an attempt to return her to the United States, Dali caused a disturbance on Delta Flight 265 bound for New York, reportedly screaming that she did not want to return to America. This behavior led to her removal from the aircraft by French police and a delay of over two hours for the flight. Following this incident, Delta Air Lines initially refused to transport her back to the U.S.
After several days in French custody, arrangements have been made for Dali’s return to New York. She is expected to be accompanied by French escorts on a Delta flight arriving at JFK Airport today. Upon arrival, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to meet her at the gate. Authorities anticipate charging her with theft of services and are investigating potential security breaches that allowed her to board the initial flight without proper documentation.
This incident has raised significant concerns about airport security protocols. The TSA has initiated an independent review of the circumstances at JFK Airport, focusing on how Dali bypassed identity verification and boarding status checks. Delta Air Lines is conducting its own comprehensive investigation and is collaborating with law enforcement and aviation stakeholders to address the security lapse.
The case underscores vulnerabilities in airport security systems and highlights the need for stringent adherence to protocols to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft. As investigations continue, authorities aim to implement measures to strengthen security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
