Two pilots have been arrested on suspicion of consuming either drugs or alcohol before boarding a flight from Glasgow International Airport.
The Associated Press (AP) reported on Sunday that two United Airlines pilots had failed a breath test before their flight leaving Glasgow for Newark International Airport, New Jersey.
A United Airlines spokesperson confirmed this to Travel Weekly, and said the pilots “were immediately removed from service”.
“The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority,” the spokesperson said. “We hold all of our employees to the highest standards and have a strict, no tolerance policy for alcohol.”
The airline is fully cooperating with authorities.
Both men, aged 61 and 45, are due to appear in court on Tuesday.
According to the Associated Press, the pair were charged under section 97 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act, which covers offences where “aviation staff are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs”, with punishments of “up to two years in prison” or a fine if found guilty.
The flight, number UA162, was reportedly due to leave Glasgow Airport at 9am on Saturday but was cancelled after the pair’s arrest.
A United spokesperson said customers were provided “hotel and meal vouchers” and were rebooked on alternate flights to get to their destination.
