Delta flight diverts to Los Angeles after pilot falls ill, adding about 2,000 miles and eight hours to trip

A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Shanghai diverted to Los Angeles on Saturday after one of the aircraft's pilots became ill, adding roughly 2,000 miles and about eight hours to the journey, the airline and flight-tracking data show.

Delta Flight 389, an Airbus A350-900 that departed Detroit about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, was five hours into its transpacific route when the crew decided to divert. The plane was roughly south of Alaska when the decision was taken to land at Los Angeles International Airport, a three-hour flight to the south and west, according to FlightAware tracking data and airline statements.

Delta said Los Angeles was selected not because it was the closest diversion airport but because it is a major West Coast hub where a qualified replacement pilot could be located more quickly. The aircraft remained on the ground at LAX for more than three hours before a replacement crew member boarded and the flight continued, according to FlightAware.

After departing LAX at about 7 p.m., the flight resumed its transpacific leg with an approximately 13-hour trip to Shanghai. Including the time in the air and on the ground during the diversion, passengers spent more than 24 hours to complete what was scheduled as a roughly 16-hour journey.

The airline did not immediately identify the ill pilot or provide additional medical details. Delta said it arranged for a replacement and continued the flight in accordance with standard safety procedures. There were no reports of further medical emergencies on board.

Airline crew illness is one of several reasons international flights sometimes divert; carriers regularly choose diversion airports based on proximity, runway length, and availability of crew and services needed to continue a long-haul flight. In this case, Delta's network of West Coast operations appears to have played a role in the selection of LAX.

Flight 389's detour caused delays but did not result in a cancellation, and the aircraft ultimately completed its scheduled journey to Shanghai. Passengers contended with the unexpected extension of travel time and time on the ground while the carrier sourced a replacement pilot.

Delta did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment beyond its explanation that a pilot fell ill and a replacement was provided. Flight tracking services continue to record diversions and ground times for long-haul flights, which airlines say are handled under established safety and operational protocols.

This incident underscores the logistical challenges airlines face when crew members become incapacitated midflight on long international routes, requiring rapid operational decisions to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance.