Pilot’s axing over fear of flying unfair

PHOBIA Flybe plane A PILOT who was fired after developing a fear of flying has won his claim for unfair dismissal.

Flybe first officer Matthew Guest had panic attacks after promotion to longer flights, an employment tribunal heard.

He was based at Birmingham West Midlands Airport and had his first “unsettling experience” in December 2014, feeling sick and dizzy during a flight to Florence.

He lost his job in 2016 with the airline describing him as a safety risk.

But an employment judge in Birmingham ruled he should have been offered alternative roles or an opportunity to discuss his case with the group’s chief operating officer.

Mr Guest could now get his old job back.