More than 100 passengers stranded after drunk co-pilot found in cockpit

TAP Portugal A319 CS-TTG

More than 100 passengers were stranded in southwestern Germany after their flight was cancelled at the last minute because the co-pilot was found drunk.

The flight was grounded shortly before take-off after an employee noticed the co-pilot was walking unsteadily and smelled of alcohol, reports the Guardian. 

TAP Air Portugal has apologised for the cancellation, citing the “pilot’s incapacity” as the reason.

Police found the man in a “highly intoxicated condition” and Stuttgart prosecutors immediately suspended the copilot’s flying licence and set bail at €10,000 (about $16,000 aud) reports the Guardian. 

The cancelled flight was due to depart for Lisbon on Friday night but now passengers will have to wait until Monday to make the trip.

A German news agency has reported that all 106 passengers were put up in hotels overnight.

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