EasyJet captain gets suspended after claims of being spotted intoxicated

(MENAFN) Reports say EasyJet has suspended one of its captains after he was allegedly spotted wandering naked and intoxicated through a luxury hotel in Cape Verde.

The pilot, whose identity has not been made public, was reportedly seen in the early hours of August 5 walking through public areas of a five-star resort without clothes, following a lengthy drinking session at a bar.

Although he was not scheduled to fly until more than 36 hours later for a return trip to Gatwick, the airline grounded him after receiving complaints about the incident and arranged for another pilot to take the flight.

An EasyJet spokesperson stated that the matter is now under investigation, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety is the company’s "highest priority."

According to reports, the captain arrived at the Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa on August 4 and began drinking shortly after. Around 02:30 local time the next morning, hotel guests allegedly saw him remove his clothing in the reception area before moving toward the gym and spa.

"The pilot did not have a stitch on and reeked of alcohol," an anonymous source within the airline was quoted as saying. "Anyone who saw the pilot cavorting naked in the early hours on the day before a flight would not dream of getting on a plane with him at the controls."

He had been scheduled to operate the 2,332-nautical-mile (4,318 km) journey back to Gatwick on the afternoon of August 6 but was removed from duty.

MENAFN11082025000045017281ID1109911727