SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's lieutenant governor said that Delta pilots walked off a plane that was due to take off, but the airline said it was standard procedure.
Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson tweeted Friday that the pilots walked off a plane that was set to depart from JFK airport in New York City and headed to Salt Lake City.
Henderson said her friend was aboard that flight and was flying to Utah to get treatment for a life-threatening medical condition she discovered while on vacation this week.
Hey @Delta, please get your act together and address your personnel problems. Your pilots just walked off a plane from JFK-SLC, stranding my friend who needs to get home ASAP to treat a life-threatening medical condition she discovered she has while on vacation this week. 🙏🏼
— Deidre Henderson 🇺🇦 (@DeidreHenderson) April 8, 2022
A Delta spokesperson told FOX 13 News in a statement that the pilots got off because of weather and air traffic control issues.
“When Delta must cancel a flight, it is after all other options are exhausted. Significant disruptive weather and air traffic control delays in New York City yesterday, unfortunately, resulted in the flight crew’s legal duty time expiring before departure. We have engaged with the Lt. Governor’s office to offer additional support as needed. We apologize to all for the inconvenience caused by this flight cancellation.”
Henderson's office said the Lt. Gov. was busy and couldn't talk about the tweet.
Delta pilots around the county recently, including in Salt Lake City, have been protesting what they say are poor working conditions.
Pilots with Delta Air Lines picketed outside Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday, claiming they are being overworked due to the company's scheduling.
