Delta, Qantas, Air Canada Divert Flights Due to Solar Storm

Delta Air Lines Inc. rerouted as many as eight transpolar flights between the U.S. and Asia as the most-powerful solar radiation storm since 2003 hit Earth.

Jets were sent farther south, lengthening trips by about 15 minutes, to avoid potential radio disruptions, Anthony Black, a Delta spokesman, said yesterday. Air Canada and Qantas Airways Ltd. also shifted the path of some flights, while American Airlines, United Continental Holdings Inc., and Air New Zealand Ltd. said no planes had been rerouted.