LONDON- British Airways (BA) has launched an internal investigation after a cabin crew member allegedly behaved inappropriately at a Belfast hotel. The carrier, which operates its main long-haul and short-haul network from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), has suspended four crew members while it reviews the claim.
The reported incident took place in the early hours at a hotel in Belfast, the Northern Irish city served by George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD). The crew had stayed overnight after working an evening service from London, and a replacement team was flown in to cover their scheduled duties.
British Airways Cabin Crew Stood Down Over Late-Night Hotel Conduct
According to a report by The Sun, a British Airways flight attendant approached a hotel worker at around 1 am and made a sexually suggestive offer in exchange for a bottle of wine.
The report claims the staffer lifted her top during the exchange after being told the hotel bar was closed.
The hotel employee reported the late-night approach. British Airways subsequently suspended the flight attendant and three colleagues who had reportedly been drinking with her, pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident is said to have been captured on the hotel’s CCTV system.
How the Reported Incident Unfolded
The four crew members are said to have begun drinking at around 9 pm at the Belfast hotel after operating the last flight of the day from London. They were due to work a return service the following day.
Because of the alleged conduct and the level of drinking before a scheduled duty, all four were stood down from that return flight.
British Airways arranged for a replacement cabin crew to be flown out so the service could continue as planned.
Source Account of the Allegation
A source cited by The Sun described the behaviour as unacceptable and said heavy drinking ahead of a flight fell well below expected standards.
The same account stated that the flight attendant had gone to the hotel lobby specifically to request another bottle of wine before the alleged exchange took place.
The claims remain allegations at this stage, and the individuals involved have not been publicly named. The investigation is ongoing.
British Airways Responds
British Airways acknowledged the matter and said it expects high standards from all crew members. The airline confirmed that it is investigating the reported incident but did not provide further operational details while the review continues.
Crew conduct during overnight layovers is governed by airline policies on fitness for duty, including rules around alcohol consumption before scheduled flights. Suspensions during such investigations are a standard precautionary step and do not indicate an outcome.
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