LUTON- An easyJet (U2) pilot was suspended from duty after allegedly stripping naked at a Cape Verde (SID) hotel bar in the early hours, just hours before he was scheduled to operate a return flight to London Gatwick (LGW).
The incident occurred at the Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa, where witnesses reported seeing the captain intoxicated at 2:30 AM, wandering unclothed through the hotel’s reception area.
Photo: OE-IVU NCE | MSN 7637 A320-214 / A320 / A320-200 EASYJET EUROPE | FlickreasyJet Pilot Suspended
The easyJet (U2) captain had flown holidaymakers from the UK to Sal Island, Cape Verde, on August 4 and was set to pilot the return journey to Gatwick more than 24 hours later. However, his off-duty conduct led to his immediate removal from the roster.
Guests claimed he was slurring his words, smelled strongly of alcohol, and staggered towards a closed bar before heading to the gym and spa area.
Some recognized him as the pilot from the inbound flight and alerted hotel staff. Senior management, reportedly shocked, swiftly contacted easyJet to prevent him from taking the next flight.
According to the Daily Mail, the airline confirmed that the pilot was “immediately stood down from duty” in accordance with company procedures, pending a formal investigation. EasyJet emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.
Photo: By Laurent ERRERA from L’Union, France – Airbus A320-200 easyJet (EZY) G-EZTH – MSN 3953, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29837760easyJet’s Response
Witness accounts described the pilot’s condition as “paralytic,” with one onlooker stating they would not trust him to control “a toy aeroplane.”
The captain is believed to have begun drinking shortly after checking into the £1,569 a week resort.
A company source criticized the captain’s judgment, calling it a “level of stupidity” unexpected from a pilot with his experience.
The return flight on August 6 was operated by another captain without reported disruption to passengers.
Photo: EC/EJU EasyJet Europe Airbus 320 OE-IJG | Manchester Airport… | FlickrSafety and Professional Standards
Airlines operate under strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption by crew, with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority enforcing an 8-hour “bottle-to-throttle” rule, alongside limits on permissible blood alcohol content.
Breaches can result in immediate suspension, loss of license, and potential criminal charges.
This incident underscores the aviation industry’s zero-tolerance policy on alcohol impairment, highlighting the importance of maintaining professional conduct both in and out of the cockpit.
Photo: Courtesy of CreatorBottom Line
This incident follows other recent easyJet (U2) safety-related events, though none as directly tied to crew behavior.
In January 2025, an easyJet Airbus A320-200 diverted to Porto due to a possible engine failure, landing safely after declaring a “PAN PAN” emergency.
In February 2025, another easyJet flight narrowly avoided a mountain during descent into Hurghada, Egypt, leading to the pilot’s suspension.
These incidents highlight the airline’s proactive approach to safety, with immediate suspensions and investigations to maintain its fatality-free record.
The Cape Verde incident underscores the importance of crew conduct, especially on long-haul routes where fatigue and downtime can pose risks. Aviation regulations mandate strict rest periods and sobriety checks to prevent such occurrences.
The pilot’s behavior, while off duty, violated the trust placed in him as a captain responsible for hundreds of passengers.
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