Stowaway incident: Air India seeks explanation from Medina agency

New Delhi: Air India has said it has sought an explanation from the local ground-handling agency in Medina on how one of their employees managed to remain on board the aircraft after having performed his assigned duties.

A press release issued by Air India said:

"An incident involving a person employed by the local flight handling agency at Medina airport in Saudi Arabia, who was detected as a "stow away" on the Medina-Jaipur flight of Friday December, 26, 2009, has been reported in a section of the media.

The airline would like to state the facts to put the incident in the proper perspective.

• The person was noticed by the cabin crew after the flight had been airborne for 30 minutes.
  
• On interrogation, it was ascertained that the person was holding a valid identity card enabling him access to the security cleared zone where the aircraft is parked; and that he did not pose any threat to the safety and security of the aircraft and the passengers.
• The person told the crew that he was an Indian national who was desperate to reach home as he was dissatisfied with his employment conditions.
• The commander of the flight, who is the supreme authority in such instances as per international law, decided to continue the flight to its destination after satisfying himself that there was no safety or security threat to the aircraft or the passengers. The commander intimated ATC Jaipur about the stow-away on board much before landing and also advised that local police authorities should be in readiness for taking the person in custody.
• On arrival at Jaipur the person was handed cover to the local CISF/police authorities.

 
"Air India security officials have been in Jaipur since yesterday morning to assist local authorities in their investigation. We would like to reiterate that the airline has not been informed by the police authorities of any action contemplated against the crew of the flight."