A British Airways flight bound for the United Kingdom was canceled from Barbados after several crew members allegedly engaged in excessive drinking the night before their scheduled departure. The incident led to one crew member collapsing in a hotel bar, prompting an investigation by the airline.
The flight, BA254, was scheduled to depart from Bridgetown, Barbados, on Sunday afternoon and arrive in London on Monday morning. The cancellation left approximately 336 passengers stranded.
Sources reported that the crew members were staying at a resort in Barbados. Reports indicate that some crew members consumed significant amounts of alcohol, including vodka and beer. Guests at the resort, which is described as a honeymooners' and families' resort costing around £500 per night, reportedly complained about the crew's behavior. One stewardess was said to have vomited at the bar, and a colleague allegedly collapsed and required assistance to return to his room.
British Airways stated that it is urgently investigating the matter and expects the highest standards from its crew. Following the incident, four crew members have reportedly been suspended. The airline is in the process of repositioning the affected crew and arranging for alternative travel for passengers.
This event follows a separate incident earlier this year where a British Airways flight attendant was arrested and subsequently dismissed after being found to be nearly eight times over the alcohol limit on a flight from Heathrow to Malaga. In that case, the attendant admitted a drink-related charge and was fined by Uxbridge magistrates.