Flight cancelled after both pilots fail alcohol tests

WTTEN-An AirBaltic flight was refused permission to take off after four of the five members of cabin crew were found to be over the drink-fly alcohol limit.

The captain and his first officer were found to be over the limit, as well as two flight attendants.

The plane was prevented from taking off from Oslo to Crete on Saturday when police tested the flight crew after receiving a tip off from a member of public.

According to the Daily Mail, blood alcohol levels were found to be above 0.2 per cent.

The plane was carrying 109 passengers, who were delayed for around five hours after the incident while the airline found replacement flight crew.

According to the Evening Standard, Janis Vanagds, a spokesman for AirBaltic said that the airline has a “zero tolerance” policy on staff drinking alcohol.

He said: “Zero tolerance means no alcohol. It’s very straightforward – safety is our number one priority.

“There has been an initial test and that is being followed up with more detailed tests.

“When we have the results we will take appropriate action. I apologise to all customers who have been affected by this incident.”

According to LSM, passengers were initially told the pilot was “unwell”, but later discovered the reality of the situation.

Passenger Helena Therese Langeland told the site: “It is surprising that people who have such huge responsibility in their jobs don’t take it seriously and have so little professionalism.