An American Airlines flight bound for Philadelphia was cancelled after one of the pilots was arrested on suspicion of alcohol intoxication.
The pilot, who has not yet been identified, was one of three on flight AA735. The pilot was arrested in Manchester, England, Thursday morning after authorities suspected he or she was intoxicated, according to a spokesperson for American Airlines.
“The employee was detained and the flight, AA735 to Philadelphia, has been cancelled,” a statement from the airline reads. “We have rebooked (passengers) on alternative flights.”
Greater Manchester Police told the Manchester Evening News that they followed up on reports that a pilot may be under the influence: “Officers attended and a 62-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of performing an aviation function when over the prescribed limit of alcohol.”
The airline confirmed that the incident involved “a member of its crew at Manchester Airport” in England Thursday. The name of the pilot has not released.
“The employee was detained and the flight, AA735 to Philadelphia, has been cancelled,” a statement from the airline reads. “We have rebooked (passengers) on alternative flights.”
The airline went ahead to apologize to customers for the delay, adding that “safety is our highest priority.”
“We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and further questions should be referred to them,” the airline concluded.
