ANKARA, Turkey — Media reports and officials say a man illegally boarded a New York-bound plane earlier this month after sneaking through security at Istanbul's main airport. He was discovered before takeoff and detained.
The private Dogan news agency said Wednesday the man had just arrived at the airport after being deported from Israel for visa problems and made his way onto a Delta Air Lines plane. He gave himself away because the plane was full and there were no free seats. It said the incident occurred on July 4.
A statement from Ataturk Airport confirmed that a man illegally entered the boarding area through a personnel gate and managed to board the plane without a pass.
It said an investigation was launched into the security breach.
The man's motive was not known.
