Delta A350 Turns Back to LAX After Passenger Disruption

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 operating flight DL39 from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) was forced to turn back to LAX on August 13, 2025, after an unruly passenger disrupted the flight.
According to FlightRadar24 data, the aircraft departed Los Angeles at 18:52 UTC. More than four hours into the journey, flight attendants reported that a passenger was attempting to interfere with the flight, prompting the cockpit crew to initiate a U-turn. The jet landed safely on Runway 24R at LAX at 3:55 UTC, after more than nine hours in the air.
The passenger was removed, and DL39 departed again at 6:45 UTC. At the time of reporting, the flight was en route near the Japanese coast. The service was operated by a 7.8-year-old Airbus A350-900, registered N504DN. Details about the passenger’s behavior have not been disclosed.
This is the second incident involving an unruly passenger on a Delta flight in recent weeks. On July 5, Delta flight 731 from Atlanta to San Diego diverted to Dallas-Fort Worth after passenger Corbin Sanders became aggressive, removed his clothing, and assaulted a crew member. He was restrained by fellow passengers, removed by police, and charged with public intoxication.
The FAA warns that interfering with airline crew can lead to fines of up to $37,000 per violation and potential criminal charges. Delta praised its crew for maintaining professionalism and ensuring passenger safety in both incidents.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Delta+Air+Lines, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationa2z.com