Carpe Verde Scandal: EasyJet Pilot Suspended After 'Drunken and Naked Rampage' at Luxury Hotel

An EasyJet pilot has been suspended following allegations of inappropriate behaviour at a luxury hotel in Cape Verde. Witnesses claim the captain was seen naked in the reception area of the Meliá Dunas Beach Resort and Spa in the early hours of Tuesday, after what they described as an all-night drinking session.

According to multiple reports, the man later entered the hotel's gym and spa while unclothed. The incident occurred the day before he was due to operate a long-haul flight from Cape Verde to London Gatwick. EasyJet confirmed he was immediately grounded and replaced, stressing that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.

Incident at Meliá Dunas Beach Resort

The pilot, whose identity has not been disclosed, had reportedly begun drinking at the hotel bar shortly after arriving on 4 August, according to The Sun. Several guests told The Independent and The Guardian that he appeared heavily intoxicated, describing his condition as 'paralytic' and noting that he smelled strongly of alcohol.

At around 2:30 a.m. on 5 August, the man allegedly removed all his clothing and walked into the reception area. Witnesses said he then moved on to the hotel's gym and spa facilities. He had been rostered to operate a six-hour flight to Gatwick the following day, covering more than 2,300 nautical miles.

EasyJet Response and Investigation

EasyJet confirmed that the pilot was grounded as soon as the incident came to light, and a replacement was called in to operate the scheduled flight. A company spokesperson told Sky News, 'As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, we took immediate action to remove the pilot from duty. Safety is our highest priority, and we have a strict code of conduct that all employees are expected to follow.'

The airline's code of business ethics states that staff must act 'with integrity when dealing with our people, our customers, our partners and the communities within which we operate'. EasyJet has not confirmed whether the pilot is on paid or unpaid leave while the internal investigation is ongoing. The outcome will determine any disciplinary measures.

Comparisons with Previous Incidents

The case has drawn comparisons to a separate incident earlier this year involving a British Airways employee who was filmed naked and dancing inside an aircraft lavatory, an episode which also sparked questions about professional standards in the aviation industry, The Sun reported in May.

Industry observers note that while such cases are rare, they can have significant reputational consequences for airlines. Public trust in aviation relies heavily on perceptions of pilot professionalism, particularly given their role in ensuring passenger safety during complex long-haul flights.

Professionalism and Safety in Aviation

Aviation regulators require pilots to meet strict medical, training and conduct standards. Incidents involving alcohol or inappropriate behaviour can lead to licence suspension or revocation, depending on the outcome of investigations by the airline and aviation authorities.

Cape Verde is a popular holiday destination for British travellers, and the route to Gatwick is one of EasyJet's longer services. Any disruption, particularly involving crew misconduct, can cause operational challenges and increased costs for the airline.

As EasyJet continues its inquiry, the case highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism in high-responsibility roles and the potential career-ending consequences of failing to do so.