'We need to return immediately,' flight crew warns as pilot health emergency unfolds

"The crew followed established procedures to return to MSP where the aircraft landed safely," Delta said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital. 

"As safety comes first at Delta, we are focused on supporting the pilot and our customers to ensure onward travel."

The Boeing 757-300 was carrying 178 passengers and seven crew members on the Aug. 31 flight, according to a Delta spokesperson.

"We need to return to the field," a crew member said in an air traffic control recording, according to reports. "Nature of the emergency: We have a potential pilot incapacitation. … We would like to return immediately."

After landing safely in Minneapolis, Delta arranged for a new flight crew so that the flight could continue to Orlando.

The flight arrived in Orlando later that evening, according to the airline.

The pilots asked for emergency medical personnel to meet the Airbus A321 at the gate at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, according to air traffic control communications.

The aircraft landed without incident and emergency responders waiting at the airport. 

The cause of the flight attendants' illnesses was not immediately known.

Michael Sinkewicz of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.