A US PASSENGER jet with 130 travellers on board mistakenly landed at a US Air Force base, Delta Airlines has confirmed.

The flight from Minneapolis/St Paul in Minnesota was due to land in Rapid City, South Dakota late on Thursday night, but landed in Ellsworth Air Force Base, some 11 miles to the north of the airport.

A Delta statement said that the pilot took off and landed at Rapid City not long after the mistake.

“The Airbus A320 aircraft had 130 customers on board and was in-bound from Minneapolis/St. Paul. The flight re-departed for Rapid City Thursday night after coordinating with officials.

“Delta has contacted the customers of this flight and offered a gesture of apology for the inconvenience.”

Google Maps The air base and airport. Google Maps

A spokesperson for the base told the Rapid City Journal that they had to ensure the safety of all involved.

“Base officials followed the proper procedures to address the situation and ensure the safety of our airmen, their families and the passengers.

“The aircraft departed for Rapid City Regional Airport later that night.”

A passenger told the paper they had waited around two and a half hours to take off again, but only after armed personnel searched the plane.

Delta said the pilots involved have been taken off duty pending an investigation.

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