Illustrative purposes only [Getty Images]. Illustrative purposes only [Getty Images].

A stowaway flew in the undercarriage of a jumbo jet owned by the Dubai royal family from Austria to Heathrow, according to reports on Thursday.

The Romanian man survived temperatures of -41c at 25,000ft on a Boeing 747 and airport officials said the man could easily have been crushed by the plane's wheels or killed by a lack of oxygen.

When the Boeing landed, the 20-year-old stowaway jumped on to the runway and was arrested.

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According to reports the man had come to Britain to find work.

He was examined by paramedics but suffered only bruises and was interviewed by police and immigration officials.

Less than 24 hours later, he was released following a police caution for being a stowaway and as an EU national was allowed to stay in Britain.