British Airways pilot faces trouble for mid-air showoff after leaving cockpit open for family at 35,000 feet

LONDON, Aug 15 — A British Airways pilot has been suspended after allegedly leaving the cockpit door open during a transatlantic flight so his family, who were travelling as passengers, could watch him at work, PA Media/dpa reported.

According to The Sun, the incident happened on a flight from Heathrow to New York JFK last week and caused alarm among some passengers, prompting other crew members to alert the airline.

The pilot’s suspension led to the cancellation of the return flight due to arrive at Heathrow on August 8. Affected passengers were offered alternative flights, with most reaching their destinations within four hours of their original schedule, according to PA.

He has since returned to flying after an investigation found there was no security threat.

A British Airways spokesperson said that safety and security remain the airline’s top priorities and that all such allegations are thoroughly investigated.

Since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, cockpit doors must remain closed and locked to prevent unauthorised access.

Earlier this week, it was also reported that an easyJet captain was suspended after he was allegedly seen walking naked and intoxicated around a luxury hotel in Cape Verde. He had been scheduled to fly passengers back to the UK around 36 hours later. — Bernama-PA Media/dpa