Yesterday at Paris-Orly airport, a man in his twenties was discovered in the landing gear compartment of a flight arriving from Algeria. Despite being found in severe hypothermia, he miraculously remained alive and was immediately taken to the hospital. The Gendarmerie of Air Transport (GTA) and emergency services intervened and confirmed the incident. The man was found during routine technical checks of the aircraft and was transported to the hospital by the fire department.

At commercial airplane cruising altitude, approximately 40,000 feet (12,000 meters) above sea level, the air temperature can drop to below -50°C. This extreme cold, coupled with reduced oxygen levels, creates a nearly uninhabitable environment in the unpressurized landing gear compartment, making it nearly impossible for a human being to survive.

The survival of the stowaway, despite the extreme conditions, raises concerns about airport and aircraft security and safety protocols. The breach in security that allowed someone to evade detection and stow away in the landing gear is evident.

Although thrillers and dramas often portray stowaways as surviving against all odds, the reality is much grimmer. The lack of pressurization and oxygen at high altitudes leads to hypoxia, hypothermia, and death, resulting in an extremely low survival rate for stowaways in aircraft landing gear.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with attempting to stow away on an aircraft. Aside from being illegal and punishable by law, it poses an extreme risk to one’s life. Survivors often experience serious medical complications as a result of their ordeal.

As authorities continue to investigate, it is crucial to consider the inherent risks and potential consequences of such desperate and dangerous actions. The safety and security of air travel are paramount, and incidents like this highlight the need for vigilance and stringent measures to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft.

The story of the stowaway found at Paris-Orly serves as a poignant reminder of the unforgiving nature of high-altitude travel and the remarkable resilience of the human body. It underscores the critical importance of airport security and safety procedures.