Delta Air Lines Pilot Fails Breathalyzer, Arrested Before Flight From Sweden to Kennedy Airport
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JUL 22 – Delta must pay nearly $140,000 in compensation to 198 passengers after a pilot failed a random alcohol test, triggering a flight cancellation and police arrest under EU safety rules.
- On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, a Delta Air Lines flight 205 pilot was arrested after failing a breathalyzer test before departure to New York JFK.
- According to the police, EU Regulation 2018/1042 mandates random alcohol checks for flight and cabin crew, and Swedish police conducted such a test on board, finding the pilot above the legal limit, the officer said.
- Following the pilot’s detention, Delta flight 205 was canceled, passengers received $705 each in compensation and the payout totaled $139,590.
- Under Swedish law, she faces a fine or up to six months’ jail, and authorities have 72 hours to decide on charges, with no attribution.
- As a result, the incident triggered renewed scrutiny on airline staff alcohol policies, and Delta Air Lines said it will fully cooperate with authorities `as nothing is more important than the safety and security of our customers and people`.
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Delta pilot on flight to JFK arrested for disputed ‘suspicion of drunkenness’
A Delta Airlines pilot set to depart Sweden for John F. Kennedy International Airport was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drunkenness. Police apprehended the suspect at Arlanda Airport around 9:15 a.m. Tuesday while conducting a check of the departing plane, according to Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet. Numerous publications including The Independent identified the pilot as a woman from the U.S. She was arrested after allegedly failing a breatha…


Information to Aftonbladet: The alcohol test was done on board the plane
The plane was about to take off. Then the police intervened – and arrested the pilot. The woman is now being held for drunkenness, according to Aftonbladet.
Delta Pilot Arrested for Alcohol at Stockholm—Transatlantic Flight Scrapped
A Delta Air Lines pilot was arrested at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on Tuesday morning after failing a routine breathalyzer test ahead of a scheduled transatlantic flight to New York City The post Delta Pilot Arrested for Alcohol at Stockholm—Transatlantic Flight Scrapped appeared first on Travel in your own way.
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