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Convicted JFK stowaway arrested again at Newark Airport
Svetlana Dali allegedly slipped past security and boarded a United flight to Milan
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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A woman convicted of stowing away on a flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2024 has allegedly done it again, this time at Newark Liberty International Airport. Svetlana Dali, a Russian national, was discovered on a United flight to Milan that departed Newark on Wednesday night after allegedly slipping past the gates during boarding.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing security challenges airports face in preventing stowaways, even after someone has been previously convicted of the crime. Stowaways pose serious risks to flight safety and can lead to costly delays and diversions.
The details
According to police sources, Dali was discovered halfway through the United flight to Milan. If Italian authorities decide to pursue charges, it will be up to United to transport her back to the United States. Last May, Dali was convicted of stowing away on a Delta flight to Paris in November 2024 and was later found guilty on a federal stowaway charge, receiving a sentence of time served and one year of supervised release.
- Dali was convicted of stowing away on a Delta flight to Paris in November 2024.
- In July, Dali was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release for the 2024 stowaway incident.
- Dali was allegedly discovered on a United flight to Milan that departed Newark on Wednesday night (February 26, 2026).
The players
Svetlana Dali
A Russian national who was previously convicted of stowing away on a flight out of JFK Airport in 2024.
United Airlines
The airline operating the flight to Milan on which Dali was allegedly discovered as a stowaway.
What’s next
If Italian authorities decide to pursue charges against Dali, United Airlines will be responsible for transporting her back to the United States.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing security challenges airports face in preventing stowaways, even after someone has been previously convicted of the crime. Stowaways pose serious risks to flight safety and can lead to costly delays and diversions, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and improved security measures.
