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28th Aug 2016

Two pilots arrested at Glasgow Airport on alcohol charge before transatlantic flight

Conor Heneghan

The United Airlines pilots had been due to fly to New York on Saturday morning.

Two United Airlines pilots were arrested at Glasgow Airport on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol before a transatlantic flight to New York.

According to the BBC, the pilots were held in the cockpit by police as passengers boarded a plane bound for Newark Airport that was set to depart at 9am on Saturday morning.

With a new flight crew on board, the plane eventually departed Glasgow Airport at approximately 9.15am.

Chicago, IL, USA - March 17, 2016: A United Airlines 747-400 landing on 28C at the Chicago O'hare Airport.

The pilots were arrested in connection with alleged offences under the Railways and Transport/Safety Act 2003 (Section 93), which covers “carrying out pilot function or activity while exceeding the prescribed limit of alcohol”.

The pilots are believed to be US citizens and have been removed from service and their flying duties pending an investigation.

They are due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday.

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