**Investigation Launched After Woman Sneaks Onto JFK Flight to Paris Without Boarding Pass**

Authorities are conducting an investigation after a woman managed to bypass multiple security protocols at New York's JFK International Airport and boarded a Delta Airlines flight to Paris without a boarding pass. The stowaway, who reportedly concealed herself in the aircraft’s lavatories during the journey, successfully evaded several identity verification points and boarded the plane, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The incident occurred on Tuesday, one of the busiest travel days of the year, when around 2.7 million passengers were flying ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, TSA data shows. Despite undergoing a security screening, no prohibited items were found on her, a TSA spokesperson confirmed.

Details on how she circumvented the boarding stations remain unclear. Delta Airlines has stated that they are working closely with law enforcement and are conducting their own rigorous investigation. "Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security," a Delta spokesperson emphasized in a statement.

CNN has reached out to the FBI and Customs and Border Protection for further information. According to an airport official in Paris, the woman, aged between 55 and 60, holds a Russian passport. She is currently at Charles de Gaulle Airport in a holding area for individuals awaiting deportation, as she does not meet the criteria for entering Europe. The official also noted that she had previously applied for asylum in France a few years ago.

Upon her return to the United States, she may face civil penalties from the TSA and potential arrest by New York authorities. A federal official, involved in the investigation, mentioned that New York authorities are not currently engaged but could become involved soon.

Rob Jackson, a New York City real estate broker, was on the Delta flight when the unauthorized passenger was discovered. He recounted that passengers were instructed to remain seated upon landing so French police could board the plane. "Apparently she hid in a lavatory all the way at the rear of the aircraft when we departed JFK," Jackson said. He recorded a video in which the flight captain addressed the passengers, informing them of the need to wait for the police due to “a serious security issue.”

Jackson noted that the flight was at full capacity, with no extra seats for the stowaway. He overheard flight attendants discussing how the woman would switch between lavatories throughout the flight.

Further developments in the investigation are awaited to understand how such a significant breach of security could occur on a busy travel day.