British Airways Pilot Suspended for Leaving Cockpit Door Open

In a violation of strict post-9/11 security protocols, the pilot allegedly wanted his family to see him at the controls, while a separate incident saw an easyJet captain suspended for misconduct.

August 16, 2025: After a significant security breach in which he reportedly left the cockpit door open on a transatlantic trip, a British Airways pilot was briefly suspended. The event, which worried passengers and led to the postponement of a return trip, has brought attention to the tight security rules that govern commercial aviation.

The Sun says that the pilot, who was flying from London to New York on August 6, wanted his family members on board to watch him at the controls. His actions scared both crew and passengers because the door was reportedly left open for a “significant time,” which is against the guidelines that say cockpit doors must always be shut after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The pilot was suspended after the incident, which meant that the return flight, BA174, from New York to London on August 8 had to be canceled. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that an urgent investigation into the matter had begun.

British Airways said in a statement that the safety and security of its passengers is its top priority. The pilot has since returned to work after a complete inquiry found that there was no security risk.

The British Airways event happened at the same time as another pilot’s case that also made the news. On August 4, an easyJet captain was suspended after being seen inebriated and naked at a fancy hotel in Cape Verde. The pilot was seen wandering through the reception area, gym, and spa of the five-star Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa before other visitors, some of whom were on his aircraft, told the authorities. He was therefore grounded and replaced for his journey to London on August 6.