How far would a 13-year-old go just to see the world?
In a story straight out of a thriller, an Afghan boy from Kunduz slipped past airport security in Kabul.
He wedged himself into the landing gear compartment of a Kam Air passenger jet bound for Delhi.
Hours later, he was found wandering the runway at Delhi’s international airport — alive but bewildered.
Indian security officials say the boy, carrying only a small red speaker, hid in the plane’s rear wheel well before takeoff.
What Made Him Do It?
He reportedly told investigators he thought the flight was heading to Iran, not India, and that he did it simply out of curiosity.
“It’s astonishing he survived,” one airport official remarked.
They pointed out that such stowaway attempts are usually fatal due to extreme cold, lack of oxygen and the risk of falling out when landing gear lowers.
After questioning, the boy was sent back to Kabul on the same aircraft.
Aviation experts note that while desperate stowaway attempts make headlines, very few end without tragedy.
This time, luck — and perhaps sheer determination — was on the boy’s side.
It’s a jaw-dropping reminder of what desperation, naivety or courage can push someone to do at just 13.
