EasyJet pilots stood down after naked and drunk incident

An EasyJet captain was stood down after reports of drunken, naked behavior at a Cape Verde resort, with an investigation launched.

EasyJet suspends pilot after naked and drunk incident in Cape Verde

An EasyJet captain was stood down after reports that he appeared drunk and naked at a Cape Verde hotel about 36 hours before a planned flight back to Gatwick. The incident allegedly occurred at the Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa in Cape Verde, with The Sun reporting a late night drinking session that ended with the pilot walking through reception in the nude and then visiting the gym and spa. EasyJet told Sky News the pilot was immediately stood down from duty and an investigation has begun, saying the safety of passengers and crew was the airline’s highest priority. The captain was due to operate a six hour flight back to the UK, but a replacement was found and the route proceeded as planned.

This incident tests how quickly a major carrier can act when a crew member’s behavior raises safety questions. EasyJet’s quick stand down signals a procedural response, but the lack of detail invites scrutiny over what happened and how it is handled publicly. In the longer term, the case could influence how the industry communicates missteps to passengers, regulators, and investors while highlighting the ongoing importance of crew welfare policies and preflight checks.

Highlights

Ongoing investigations will shape how airlines balance transparency with privacy after misconduct