Alleged Stowaway Svetlana Dali Sneaks Onto United Flight at Newark Airport

Dali previously convicted of stowing away on Delta flight from JFK 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 flight at Newark airport that landed in Milan, Italy. Dali has a history of stowing away on flights, including a previous conviction for hiding on a Delta flight from New York's JFK Airport to Paris in 2024.

Why it matters

Dali's repeated attempts to stow away on flights raise serious security concerns at major U.S. airports and the ability of authorities to prevent such incidents. Her actions have put passengers and crew at risk, and highlight potential vulnerabilities in airport security protocols.

The details

According to law enforcement sources, Dali went through security at Newark airport on Wednesday night and then allegedly boarded a United flight without a boarding pass. The flight landed in Milan, Italy, and Dali is now in Italian custody. United Airlines stated that safety and security are their highest priorities and they are investigating the incident.

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

United Airlines

The airline whose flight Dali allegedly snuck onto at Newark airport, which landed in Milan, Italy.

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What they’re saying

“My actions were directed toward only one purpose: to save my life.”

— Svetlana Dali (ABC News)

What’s next

Dali is currently in Italian custody, and it is unclear what charges she may face or if she will be extradited back to the United States.

The takeaway

Dali's repeated attempts to stow away on flights highlight the need for airports and airlines to continually review and strengthen security protocols to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.