BA bans two from cokepit

A PILOT and cabin crew boss were banned from a British Airways flight after being accused of taking drugs.

The two were taken off duty after a member of the public claimed he saw them using cocaine and cannabis at a party.


The complaint on the morning of a flight from Heathrow to Nigeria led to the entire crew being stood down and a replacement BA team being assigned to fly the plane.


Security

The informant also claimed to have photographs of the alleged drug-taking at the party — 48 hours before the flight was due to leave — and BA ordered a massive security probe.


The pilot was given an intensive series of tests but 24 hours later was found to be totally clear of illegal substances.

The cabin crew director refused to be tested and resigned.


A source said the claims against the pilot, who had an unblemished record, were “totally malicious”. No photos were ever produced.

The source added: “We had no alternative but to stand the pilot down because we did not have time to process the results of the tests before take-off. But he was completely clear.”