Alleged Stowaway Svetlana Dali Caught on United Flight from Newark to Milan

Dali has a history of sneaking onto flights without a boarding pass, including a previous conviction for stowing away on a Delta flight from New York to Paris.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Svetlana Dali, a Russian citizen and U.S. permanent resident, has allegedly snuck onto a United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey to Milan, Italy. Dali has a history of stowing away on flights, including a previous conviction for hiding in the bathroom on a Delta flight from New York to Paris in 2024. She is now in Italian custody after the United flight landed in Milan.

Why it matters

Dali's repeated attempts to bypass airport security and stow away on flights raise serious concerns about aviation safety and the ability of authorities to prevent such incidents. Her actions could potentially endanger passengers and crew, and highlight vulnerabilities in airport security protocols.

The details

According to law enforcement sources, Dali allegedly went through security at Newark airport and then boarded the United flight to Milan without a boarding pass. When the flight landed in Italy, she was taken into custody by Italian authorities. This is not the first time Dali has been caught stowing away on a flight - in 2024, she was convicted of hiding in the bathroom on a Delta flight from New York to Paris.

  • On Wednesday night, Dali allegedly snuck onto the United flight at Newark airport.
  • In November 2024, Dali was convicted of stowing away on a Delta flight from New York's JFK Airport to Paris.
  • In July 2025, Dali was sentenced to time served for the New York-to-Paris Delta flight incident.

The players

Svetlana Dali

A Russian citizen and U.S. permanent resident with a history of stowing away on flights, including a previous conviction for hiding in the bathroom on a Delta flight from New York to Paris in 2024.

United Airlines

The airline that Dali allegedly snuck onto a flight for from Newark airport to Milan, Italy.

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What’s next

Dali is currently in Italian custody after the United flight landed in Milan. It is unclear what charges she may face in Italy or if she will be extradited back to the United States.

The takeaway

Svetlana Dali's repeated attempts to bypass airport security and stow away on flights highlight the need for enhanced security measures and better coordination between international authorities to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of air travelers.