Flybe plane
A pilot has been arrested for allegedly being drunk before flying a Flybe plane Getty

A Flybe pilot has been arrested on suspicion of being drunk minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to fly to Gatwick Airport.

The 48-year-old from Devon was removed from the plane for a breath test after another member of the crew reported grew suspicious.

The pilot was due to fly the aircraft from Newquay Airport in Cornwall to Gatwick but his arrest meant passengers were delayed by five hours.

One passenger said: "We all got on the plane and then there was an announcement. We were told the pilot was unwell," reported the Mirror.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "A 48-year-old man from Crediton, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of being over the drink drive limit."

A statement from the airline added: "Flybe can confirm that one of its pilots volunteered to help police with their inquiries at Newquay Airport.

"Flybe is not able to comment further while the police investigation is taking place."