A Delta flight that departed JFK Airport in New York late last night discovered a stowaway only after landing at Charlotte Douglas International Airport early this morning. Ground crews found the man inside the jet’s wheel well while the aircraft was parked at a service stand near Concourse A.
The discovery happened around 4:30 AM, shortly after the overnight flight arrived from JFK. Ramp workers halted activity around the aircraft and notified airport police.
The man was alive but weak and severely cold. Medics treated him immediately on the tarmac before moving him to a secure medical facility for further evaluation. No passengers or crew were injured, and there were no safety issues reported during the flight.
Officials say the man likely climbed into the landing gear housing at JFK before takeoff. Investigators are reviewing security footage from both airports to determine how he reached the restricted area and whether any access points were compromised.