Pilot suspended for allegedly leaving cockpit door open during flight
His actions reportedly 'alarmed' some passengers, and other crew members alerted the airline about the incident
A British Airways Airbus
(Image: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A British Airways pilot was suspended after allegedly leaving the cockpit door open during a transatlantic flight. He wanted his family - who were travelling as passengers - to see him operating the controls while flying from Heathrow to New York JFK last week, according to the Sun.
The newspaper reported that his actions "alarmed" some passengers, and other crew members alerted the airline about the incident. The pilot was suspended, meaning the return flight scheduled to arrive at Heathrow on August 8 was cancelled.
Affected passengers were offered alternative flights and the vast majority arrived within four hours of their original plan, the PA news agency understands.
The pilot has returned to flying after an investigation found there was no security threat. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
A British Airways spokesperson said: "Safety and security is our top priority and allegations of this nature are always fully investigated."
Since the September 11 terror attacks in the US in 2001, pilots have been required to keep cockpit doors closed and locked to prevent unauthorised access.
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It also emerged earlier this week that an easyJet captain who reportedly walked around a luxury hotel drunk and naked has been suspended.
He was scheduled to fly holidaymakers back to the UK from Cape Verde, west Africa, around 36 hours later but was grounded by the airline.
EasyJet told Sky News that the pilot was 'immediately removed from duty' and that an investigation had been launched, stressing that passenger and crew safety is their 'highest priority.'
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The airline has not provided any further details or comment.
According to The Sun, the pilot arrived at the five-star Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa in Cape Verde on 4 August, before engaging in a late-night drinking session at a bar that continued into the early hours of the morning
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