EasyJet pilot suspended after ‘drunk and naked’ hotel incident

EasyJet captain suspended over hotel incident.

EasyJet has removed one of its captains from duty following allegations that he was seen intoxicated and unclothed in a luxury hotel in Cape Verde. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of 5 August, after the pilot had been drinking heavily in a hotel bar.

According to reports in the Sun newspaper, the unnamed captain wandered through public areas of the five-star Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa without clothing. Witnesses claimed that he was first spotted at reception before moving on to the gym and spa facilities. The events were said to have taken place at approximately 02:30 local time.

Hotel guests described the pilot as smelling strongly of alcohol, with one source from within the airline suggesting that anyone who witnessed the scene would be reluctant to fly with him in control of an aircraft. The pilot had been scheduled to operate a return flight to London Gatwick less than 36 hours later.

EasyJet confirmed that, once they were made aware of the matter, the pilot was “immediately stood down” in line with company procedures. A replacement captain was arranged to operate the 2,332-nautical-mile (4,318km) flight back to the UK on 6 August. The airline stated that an investigation is under way.

A spokesperson for EasyJet reiterated that passenger and crew safety is their top priority. The company’s code of business ethics requires staff to conduct themselves with integrity in their dealings with colleagues, customers, partners, and local communities.

The Sun reported that the captain had arrived at the resort on 4 August and began drinking shortly thereafter. The following morning’s behaviour prompted complaints that ultimately led to him being removed from the flight roster. The airline has not confirmed how long the investigation might take or whether disciplinary measures will follow.

Incidents involving flight crew and alcohol are taken seriously across the aviation industry, with strict regulations in place to ensure that pilots are fit to operate an aircraft. While the pilot in question was not due to fly until well after the incident, the circumstances have nonetheless raised questions over professional conduct and adherence to airline standards.