Zu tief ins Glas geschaut – Crew alarmiert: Alkoholisierte Piloten wollten Dienst antreten

Two pilots suspected of being under the influence of alcohol were removed from duty hours before a flight departing from Geneva with Swiss, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, according to the airline. The incident came to light after crew members raised concerns several hours prior to the scheduled departure in May, prompting immediate action from Swiss management. The flight attendants reportedly alerted their superiors due to specific observations they made regarding the pilots' condition. As a result, Swiss decided to remove the two individuals from the flight roster before they could reach the airport. Instead, the airline deployed alternative personnel to ensure the safety and punctuality of the flight. According to Swiss, the concerns raised by the crew were detailed enough to cast serious doubt on the pilots' ability to perform their duties safely. Swiss confirmed that the affected pilots have since been relieved of their responsibilities and that internal investigations are ongoing. The airline emphasized its strict adherence to safety protocols and stated that violations of these standards would be treated with utmost seriousness. Potential disciplinary actions against the pilots are currently under consideration, though no formal decisions have yet been announced. The airline did not disclose the nationalities of the pilots or the destination of the flight from Geneva. This information was withheld to protect the privacy of the individuals involved, as per Swiss's statement. Earlier reports by the online aviation news platform Aerotelegraph had highlighted the incident, drawing attention to the potential risks associated with impaired pilots operating commercial flights. The situation has sparked discussions within the aviation industry about the effectiveness of current screening procedures and the role of cabin crew in identifying potential safety hazards. While the exact nature of the crew’s observations was not specified, their prompt response appears to have prevented a potentially dangerous scenario. Swiss operates a fleet of aircraft serving multiple destinations across Europe and beyond. The airline has previously faced scrutiny over safety-related issues, including incidents involving pilot fatigue and operational errors. However, this particular case marks one of the more direct instances where crew intervention led to the removal of personnel based on concerns related to intoxication. Industry experts suggest that such cases underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous pre-flight checks and fostering an environment where crew members feel comfortable reporting concerns without fear of reprisal. The incident also highlights the critical role played by non-pilot staff in ensuring the overall safety of air travel operations. As the investigation continues, Swiss will likely provide further updates on the status of the pilots and any subsequent actions taken. The airline reiterated its commitment to upholding high safety standards and addressing any lapses promptly. Until then, the focus remains on determining whether the pilots were indeed unfit for duty and what measures can be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.