A British Airways pilot has been suspended after allegedly leaving the cockpit door open on a flight from New York to London, causing the cancellation of the service. The incident occurred on flight BA174, which was due to land at Heathrow Airport last Friday.
According to sources, the captain wanted his family, who were on board, to see him operating the controls. The open door reportedly alarmed other passengers and crew, leading to the pilot being reported in the US.
A source told The Sun that the door was left open for a significant period, making passengers “incredibly uneasy.” The source added, “BA colleagues were so alarmed that the pilot was reported in the US and bosses had to suspend him.”
Since the 9/11 attacks in 2001, cockpit doors have been locked on all flights as a security measure. British Airways stated that customers on the cancelled flight were offered alternative flights, with most arriving within four hours of their original time.
An airline spokesperson said: “Safety and security is our top priority and allegations of this nature are always fully investigated.” The pilot is understood to have resumed flying after no security threat was identified, with the suspension being in line with BA policy.
