A British Airways flight carrying hundreds of passengers was canceled after several crew members reportedly became heavily intoxicated during a late-night drinking session at their hotel just hours before departure.
Flight BA254 was scheduled to leave Bridgetown, Barbados, for London Heathrow on Sunday, but the trip was abruptly called off, disrupting the travel plans of as many as 336 passengers.
Several British Airways employees have since been suspended while the airline investigates what happened, according to the Press Association.
The Sun reported that members of the crew had been drinking vodka and beer at the hotel bar, with the gathering allegedly continuing until only hours before the flight was due to take off.
One female cabin crew member reportedly vomited, while a male colleague allegedly collapsed during the drinking session.
The incident is said to have unfolded at an all-inclusive oceanfront resort popular with honeymooners, although the hotel has not been publicly identified.
Other guests reportedly recorded the crew members during the night. According to The Sun, one employee responded to criticism by saying, “We’re British Airways crew, what of it?”
The flight had been scheduled to depart Barbados at 4:25 p.m. local time and arrive in London at 6:15 a.m. Monday.
British Airways said it expects professional behavior from employees and is treating the allegations seriously.
“We expect the highest standards of our crew, and we are urgently investigating this matter,” the airline said in a statement.
The controversy comes as British Airways and its parent company, International Airlines Group, face growing financial pressure from rising fuel costs.
In May, IAG warned that its profits would take a hit after the company projected it would spend roughly 2 billion euros, or about $2.3 billion, more than planned on fuel this year because of the conflict involving Iran.
Chief Executive Luis Gallego said the company did not expect summer fuel supplies to be interrupted, but acknowledged that rising costs would create serious challenges.
Earlier this year, Gallego said British Airways was “managing the uncertainty” caused by higher fuel prices by adjusting fares, costs and capacity.
He also warned that airlines across the industry would likely need to raise ticket prices to offset the growing expense of jet fuel, which accounts for about one-quarter of operating costs.
“Whilst the impact of the higher fuel price will inevitably lead to lower profit this year than we originally anticipated, we are confident in our business model and strategy,” Gallego said.
IAG shares dropped 4 percent in early trading Friday after the company said it expects fuel costs to reach 9 billion euros, or approximately $10.3 billion, this year. The increase is expected to weigh on both full-year profits and free cash flow.
AH THE BRITISH I didnt think the islamics drank Pfft