Questions have been raised after a deceased stowaway was discovered in the wheel well of a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777 (registered PH-BQM) on Monday.
The aircraft originated from Lagos, Nigeria, and an investigation has been launched to determine how and when the man climbed into the plane.
The Royal Dutch Marechaussee has stated that stowaways in wheel wells face extreme temperatures that can drop as low as minus fifty degrees during longer flights, making survival virtually impossible. Despite the risks, some stowaways still attempt to use this method to travel without proper documentation or authorisation. This unfortunate incident highlights the need for increased security measures and thorough inspections of aircraft before departure to prevent such incidents from occurring. Airlines and aviation authorities regularly review and update their security protocols to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew onboard.