Statement from British Airways

Eleven pilots and three cabin crew members have been removed from duty by British Airways pending the outcome of an internal investigation. This has been launched following allegations that the crew members had breached British Airways regulations governing alcohol consumption before a flight.

"British Airways takes any potential breach of regulations very seriously. We have launched a formal investigation and have notified the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK’s civil aviation regulator, of the allegations and the actions we are taking", said David Hyde, Director of Safety.

The relevant unions of those removed from duty have also been informed.

British Airways has already requested that the makers of Channel Four’s Dispatches programme, who have made the allegations, hand over any evidence that will assist the investigation as a matter of urgency. In order not to prejudice any investigation, there will be no public comment on the specific allegations until the conclusion of our inquiry.