'Drunk' Flybe Pilot Arrested After Colleague On UK Domestic Flight Raises Concerns

A pilot on a domestic flight in the UK was removed from the plane before take-off and arrested amid suspicions that he was drunk, according to reports.

The pilot, who was due to fly a Flybe flight from Cornwall in southwestern England to London's Gatwick airport Wednesday, was removed from the plane by police for a breath test, and subsequently arrested, authorities confirmed to the Plymouth Herald.

The BBC reported that a police source had said that authorities were alerted after another crew member became concerned. The organization also quoted an unnamed passenger, who said: "We all got on the plane and then there was an announcement. We were told the pilot was unwell."

Passengers reportedly faced delays of up to five hours as a result of the pilot's arrest.

The airline, Flybe, released a statement that read: "Flybe can confirm that one of its pilots volunteered to help the police with their inquiries at Newquay Airport.

"Flybe is not able to comment further while the police investigation is taking place."

A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK's aviation regulator, told the MidDevon Gazette: "For pilots the blood alcohol limit is 20 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. For context, the UK drink drive limit is 80 milligrams per 100 milliliters"