Female Pilot Arrested for Attempting to Fly Transatlantic Flight While Intoxicated

Caught in Random Alcohol Test Before 9-Hour Flight
Up to 2 Years in Prison and License Revocation if Convicted

A pilot was arrested by the police after being found to be under the influence of alcohol on a passenger plane preparing for takeoff.

On the 24th (local time), Swedish daily Aftonbladet reported that at around 9:15 a.m. that day, a Delta Air Lines pilot was detained at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on suspicion of attempting to fly while intoxicated.

This pilot was scheduled to operate a nine-hour transatlantic flight to New York JFK Airport. However, just before departure, a random onboard alcohol test returned a positive result, and the pilot was removed from the flight.

Swedish police spokesperson Nadia Norton stated, "The pilot showed a positive response to the alcohol test and was arrested," adding, "The individual is currently in custody and under investigation."

The police did not disclose specific details such as the pilot's identity or nationality, but local media reported that the individual is a female pilot of American nationality. Swedavia, the airport operator, commented, "This is an ongoing investigation," and did not provide further statements.

According to Swedish law, if the pilot is convicted, the individual could face up to two years in prison and revocation of their pilot license. Prosecutors are expected to decide whether to formally charge the pilot within 72 hours of the arrest.

The flight was ultimately canceled, and passengers scheduled to board experienced inconvenience due to the unexpected delay and ensuing investigation. If the airline is found liable, compensation of up to $705 (approximately 950,000 KRW) may be provided in accordance with European Union (EU) passenger protection regulations.

Earlier, in early 2025, a Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia, United States, on suspicion of driving under the influence after being detected with the smell of alcohol and bloodshot eyes during a security screening. The flight was bound for Chicago, and passengers experienced a delay of more than four hours. The pilot was immediately removed from duty.

There have also been cases in the United Kingdom where pilots were caught flying under the influence and sentenced to prison. In 2023, Delta Air Lines pilot Lawrence Russell Jr. was found to be intoxicated before a flight at Edinburgh Airport, with a blood alcohol level at least twice the legal limit. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, and Delta Air Lines immediately launched an investigation.