An international airline is reviewing its screening procedures after a young Asian man in his early 20s boarded a flight from Hong Kong to Canada disguised as an elderly white male.
Canada's Transport Minister said that airlines are required to check the identity of all passengers who appear to be 18 years or older, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Canada Border Services Agency said the man, who was intercepted after he landed in Vancouver on October 31, wore a silicone mask covering his head and neck in what they called an "unbelievable case of concealment".
According to a CBSA report obtained by CNN, the passenger "was observed at the beginning of the flight to be an elderly Caucasian male who appeared to have young looking hands".
During the flight from Hong Kong, the passenger "attended the washroom and emerged an Asian-looking male that appeared to be in his early 20s".
Upon arrival in Vancouver, the man was arrested by CBSA officials, after which he requested refugee status.
Canadian media said the passenger had been wearing a silicone mask that can be bought on the internet for about $US700 ($A692).
The CBSA reportedly suspected another, American passenger exchanged his boarding pass with the man.
"It should be noted that there are multiple identity checks before departure at the Hong Kong international airport, including Chinese government-run Hong Kong passport control, which Hong Kong-originating passengers must undergo," Mah said
