Delta Cancels Stockholm–New York Flight After Pilot Found Suspected Intoxicated

Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 20:52 IST

Delta Air Lines has since denied that intoxication played a role.

The US-based pilot was arrested after failing a breathalyser test

A Delta Air Lines flight scheduled to depart from Stockholm was cancelled at the last minute on July 22 after the pilot was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The Boeing 767-300, which was set for a non-stop journey from Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, Sweden, to New York’s John F Kennedy Airport, was grounded just before takeoff, according to Swedish daily newspaper Aftonbladet.

The US-based pilot was arrested after failing a breathalyser test minutes before the aircraft was due to depart. Local police boarded the plane and apprehended the pilot “on suspicion of drunkenness" at approximately 9:15 am, as per the report.

Delta Air Lines has since denied that intoxication played a role. “Delta can confirm authorities have released the pilot and we are told this is not a case of intoxication," the airline told The Daily Beast.

Despite the airline’s denial, a Delta spokesperson stated, “When the investigation measures were taken, the pilot was released, but the suspicion remains, and the investigation continues." The airline has apologised to passengers who were due to travel on Delta flight 205 and said it had arranged alternative transport for them.

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Jenny Karlsson also confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. “The arrest was lifted on July 23 at 00:58 by a duty prosecutor. However, the pilot is still a suspect, and an investigation is ongoing," Karlsson said.

The flight, which was expected to last approximately nine hours, was due to land in New York around 1:00 pm ET.

Though the airline has not officially announced compensation plans, passengers may be entitled to up to $705 each in cash for the cancelled flight. For a full 98-seat flight, this could cost Delta approximately $69,000, according to Simple Flying.

The pilot’s future remains uncertain. If found guilty, she may lose her flying licence and could face legal consequences in Sweden. Under Swedish law, she could be sentenced to up to two years in prison, depending on her blood alcohol level at the time, The Independent reported.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, pilots must have a blood alcohol content of less than 0.04 percent. The FAA also enforces a “Bottle to Throttle" rule, requiring pilots to wait at least eight hours between consuming alcohol and flying.

Stockholm, Sweden

News world Delta Cancels Stockholm–New York Flight After Pilot Found Suspected Intoxicated