‘DRUNK’ FLYBE PILOT BREATHALYSED BY POLICE

A PILOT was removed from a passenger plane just before he was due to take off and arrested on suspicion of being drunk.

The Flybe pilot was due to fly from Newquay Airport in Cornwall to London Gatwick yesterday morning before he was removed for a breath test.

It is understoof that police were alerted after a fellow crew member became concerned.

A police spokesman confirmed a 48-year-old man had been arrested.

The flight was then cancelled and passengers faced a delay of almost five hours.

One passenger, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “We all got on the plane and then there was an announcement. We were told the pilot was unwell.”

A male passenger, who was travelling to Mexico, missed his connection from London Gatwick because of the delay.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “A 48-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of being over the drink-drive limit.

“He was taken to Newquay police station.”

The pilot was later released on police bail until December 8.

Flybe confirmed that “one of its pilots volunteered to help the police with their inquiries.”