A BRITISH Airways stewardess was arrested after a pilot called cops at 30,000ft fearing she was drunk and possibly under the influence of drugs.
Waiting police boarded the plane from Gran Canaria when it landed at Gatwick airport.
The 41-year-old stewardess failed a breathalyser test and was found with high levels of alcohol in her blood.
Passengers looked on in shock as their Airbus A320 parked on a remote stand and was locked down for 45 minutes on arrival in the UK on Thursday afternoon.
Colleagues of the stewardess — including the cockpit crew — were asked to help officers with their inquiries.
They thought she may also have been under the influence of drugs but police did not confirm that.
A source said: “The pilot saw for himself that the crew member was in no fit state to work and engage with passengers.
“Her job is to maintain the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, and she was not able to do this.
“He radioed ahead calling for police to meet the aircraft.
“The probe has shocked everyone at the airline.”
The stewardess has been “stood down” from her duties while investigations continue.
Sussex Police confirmed “Officers arrested a 41-year-old woman on suspicion of performing an aviation function when over the prescribed limit for alcohol, contrary to the Railways and Transport Act 2003.
“She has been bailed, pending further enquiries.”
BA said last night: “We are supporting the police with their investigation.”
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