A pilot caught drunk in the cockpit of a Pakistan International Airways Airbus is in custody, and bound to appear in court in October over the breech of trust. PIA suspended the 20 year pilot.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “A pilot attempting to fly while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is a major threat to flight safety.”
Irfan Faiz was four times over the legal limit when he was taken into custody, and charged with “breaching the trust of the public.”
He was arrested as he was carrying out pre-flight checks. Officers had him take a breath test at ten pm just prior to his scheduled ten pm. flight of an Airbus 310 from Leeds to Islamabad. 177 passengers were put up at hotels when the pilot was removed.
WOW Air flight WW-117 made a safe landing at Baltimore–Washington International Airport, Baltimore, Maryland, on September 5th.
Swiss International Air Lines flight LX-734 made an emergency landing in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on September 7th.
Delta Airlines flight DL-603 had to return and make an emergency landing in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 26th.