Passengers On Transatlantic Flight Stranded After Delta Pilot Arrested Right Before Takeoff

A Delta Air Lines pilot was allegedly arrested on suspicion of drunkenness just before takeoff on a transatlantic flight from Sweden to New York City.

The pilot reportedly failed a random breathalyzer test while preparing for takeoff.

Swedish media reported that authorities took the pilot into custody at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport around 9:00 a.m. local time.

The intoxicated female Delta pilot was arrested after failing a random breath test moments before she took off from Sweden to New York.https://t.co/VlckBCQrI8

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) July 23, 2025

The Independent has more details:

In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for Delta said that there was “no pilot intoxication” and that she has been released from custody.

“We continue to work with authorities to review what occurred,” the statement added.

The nearly nine-hour Delta Air Lines flight 205 was due to arrive in the U.S. at around 1 p.m. Eastern time. According to Aftonbladet, the suspect is a pilot from the U.S.

The woman has been detained and is in custody pending a prosecutor’s review, according to ABC New York. A prosecutor now has 72 hours to decide whether to charge or release her.

“Delta can confirm authorities have released the pilot and we are told this is not a case of intoxication,” the airline told Daily Beast.

“We continue to work with authorities to review what occurred,” it continued.

“Yesterday’s flight from Stockholm to New-York JFK was cancelled and we apologize to customers for that experience. We are taking care of them and getting them to their destinations as soon as possible,” the airline added.

More from Daily Beast:

Swedish Police had a “different opinion,” telling the Daily Beast that the suspicion of drunkenness remains, as the investigation is still ongoing.

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A spokesperson said they had spoken to the officer in charge of the investigation on Wednesday. They were told that the pilot was taken for “further testing” and, because they aren’t a Swedish citizen, was released.

“When the investigation measures were taken, the pilot was released, but the suspicion remains and the investigation continues,” they said.

Asked about Delta’s statement, the spokesperson added: “That’s not what the officer I talked to said. Then, we have different opinions on this matter.”