A British Airways cabin crew member was taken into custody following allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior during a transatlantic flight. The incident occurred on a service from San Francisco to London on May 25, while the aircraft was at cruising altitude.
The 41-year-old employee allegedly consumed controlled substances during what should have been active duty hours, specifically during the meal service period on the lengthy international route. Reports suggest the crew member’s behavior became increasingly erratic as the flight progressed across the Atlantic.
Colleagues became concerned when the staff member failed to appear for scheduled meal service duties. A search of the aircraft led to the discovery of the individual in a business class lavatory, reportedly unclothed and exhibiting unusual behavior consistent with substance impairment.
Fellow crew members reportedly managed the situation by providing emergency clothing typically reserved for premium passengers and securing the affected individual in a first-class seat for the remainder of the journey. This intervention allowed the flight to continue safely to its destination.
The remaining cabin crew were forced to complete their duties without normal break rotations due to being short-staffed for the duration of the approximately 10.5-hour flight. One crew member notified authorities about the incident, ensuring appropriate response upon landing.
Metropolitan Police officers met the aircraft at Heathrow Airport following the crew’s welfare concerns. The individual was transported to a medical facility for evaluation before being formally arrested on suspicion of being unfit for duty while in a safety-critical role.
According to official police statements, the crew member has been released pending further investigation, with inquiries continuing into the circumstances surrounding the incident. British Airways declined to provide additional details, referring to the matter as an active police investigation that would be handled through appropriate channels.