I’m sure that there’s some truth to this story, but I just struggle to believe what’s being claimed here… I’m curious if y’all have any theories?
In this post:
British Airways captain suspended over flight deck incident
The Sun reports on an incident that happened last week, whereby a British Airways captain was reportedly suspended after breaking anti-terror rules, by leaving the flight deck door open so that his family could see him during the flight. Let me first share what’s being reported, before providing my take.
This incident happened on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, on British Airways flight BA173 from London (LHR) to New York (JFK), which was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. The flight had 256 passengers onboard.
The captain reportedly wanted his family, who were among the passengers, to see him at the controls of the plane, so he intentionally left the flight deck door open for extended periods of time. His actions reportedly alarmed other passengers, as well as the crew. Here’s what’s claimed by a source:
“Crew and passengers immediately noticed the cockpit door was open and wanted to know what was happening. It made passengers incredibly uneasy. The door was wide open for a significant time — enough for people to worry and comment. BA colleagues were so alarmed that the pilot was reported in the US and bosses had to suspend him.”
The pilot was reportedly suspended upon landing, and as a result, the return flight just over 24 hours later, BA174, was canceled (which is the flight he would’ve been the captain of). Just over a week after the incident, the captain is reportedly back to flying, after no security threat was identified.
British Airways hasn’t commented, other than to say “safety and security is our top priority.” If this story is true, of course it’s a major security lapse. Policies vary around the world, but for flights to the United States, rules are strict even for foreign carriers, when it comes to flight decks remaining closed, etc.
What really happened here… this makes no sense?!
Obviously something did happen on this flight, in the sense that the return flight (24+ hours later) was canceled due to a lack of crew, suggesting that the captain was in fact suspended over whatever went down.
But the logistics of this just don’t add up. This flight was operated by a four cabin Boeing 777-300ER, and the flight deck door is located down a short passageway at the front center of the aircraft, out of view from any seated passenger.
This isn’t like if you were to leave the flight deck door open on a narrow body jet, where everyone could look down the aisle and see inside. Literally no one would’ve seen this, unless they were specifically standing there, were going to the lavatory, etc.
So one wonders, what exactly happened? Did the captain basically get his family to come up to the forward galley and stand in the passageway leading to the flight deck and look inside? What would the benefit even be of leaving the flight deck door open for an extended period of time, because if this happened at cruise, it’s not like there’s anything interesting to see?
And if this really happened, why didn’t the first officer object? You’d hope the first officer would’ve expressed that he wasn’t comfortable with what was happening. It’s interesting that the crew did report him to authorities, which is quite something. But the details just don’t quite add up.
Also, we’re not talking about some new hire British Airways pilot. We’re talking about a senior captain on a wide body jet, who presumably has decades of experience. He’s going to risk his career in that way?
It’s also noteworthy that the investigation reportedly determined that no security threat was identified. So, umm, what happened then? Did he do it or didn’t he do it? Did his fellow crew members misinterpret what was going on?
I’m writing about this because the story as presented makes little sense, but it’s clear that something happened, and I’m really intrigued and curious. Can anyone come up with a plausible scenario here?
Bottom line
A British Airways Boeing 777 captain was reportedly suspended after he left the flight deck door open, so that his family could look inside during the flight. However, little about this makes sense, including the logistics.
The return flight was canceled due to his suspension, though he has reportedly since been reinstated, after it was determined that there was no security threat. If there was no security threat or major violation of rules, then what actually happened?!
Anyone have a theory as to what really happened?
You will note the only picture the Sun has is on the ground. Not in the air.
True to form, the naysayers are out in force dumbing down on the superiority of BA. That is when compared to any U.S. airline in the World Rankings. Therefore, so as not to disappoint the disadvantaged who are missing my missives on the subject, I am pleased to offer this target for their attention …. :-)
It's great to hear that a BA captain is a family man. Never considered that. Although my mom always tried to get me to join the mafia and get a good union government job, so I get that. What was the UK BA subsidy this year? Worse than Amtrak? Without Amish?
Awfully quiet for the alter ego BA apologist.
I am strongly biased against the s*n (lack of capitalization is intentional) but I hope a better source comes out explaining what happened. Not many sources for this story so no ill-will towards Ben here.
As is standard regarding any story where this joke of a "paper" is involved, I must express my support towards justice for the 97 dead in the Hillsborough football disaster of 1989 where this rag lied. That action alone discredits...
I am strongly biased against the s*n (lack of capitalization is intentional) but I hope a better source comes out explaining what happened. Not many sources for this story so no ill-will towards Ben here.
As is standard regarding any story where this joke of a "paper" is involved, I must express my support towards justice for the 97 dead in the Hillsborough football disaster of 1989 where this rag lied. That action alone discredits it as a reliable source in my opinion.
Years ago ; as a child i remember travelling on an Alitalia DC-10 from HKG to HND (TKO, in those days) Just before take-off the captain invited his busty 'girl-friend?' to sit in the cockpit, door-open and throughout the flight, you can hear loud flirtatious laughter; smell and see cigar smoke, wafting down the whole FC cabin. I guess things were so much lax in those days. ..but still, made me think whether a few company-rules broken at that time.
I always chuckle about the antics with the trolley blocking access to the cockpit on US bound and domestic flights. Never see anything like it anywhere else in the world.
Well, here is a true story....
A few, as in less than 5, years ago I was in U class on a transatlantic from the EU to NA. Many hours into the flight I took a stroll to the forward galley to stretch my legs and see if they had any snacks out.
The galley was devoid of crew and snacks. I crossed through it and around the corner I was looking directly into the...
Well, here is a true story....
A few, as in less than 5, years ago I was in U class on a transatlantic from the EU to NA. Many hours into the flight I took a stroll to the forward galley to stretch my legs and see if they had any snacks out.
The galley was devoid of crew and snacks. I crossed through it and around the corner I was looking directly into the flight deck. One of flight attendants was squatted down between the pilots either delivering something to them or clearing something out.
Either way there was nothing and no one between me and the flight deck.
Not good!
I quickly turned around and returned to my seat.
Flew from the Azores to Madeira a couple years ago on the Q400 and the flight deck door was open for about an hour, with the Captain or FOs wife and kid in and out. I thought it was great!
European and/or Portuguese domestic rules are obviously different, but it made me nostalgic for an era of in-flight cockpit visits I am too young to have actually ever experienced.
I remember as a kid in the 80s on a 747 from Paris to New York I was allowed to go to the cockpit to say hi to the pilots and they showed me the basic controls and gave me a pin with wings on them. It was such a memorable experience.
Kid in Cockpit. The ACI goat.
It is ridiculous it would not allowed in any other country including
IATA area 1 IATA Area 2 and IATA area 3
It is allowed in USA which is deregulated area
If a captain or first officer ask who turned off engine they don’t believe captain and first officer they don’t suspect Boeing or engine mfrs
Another neurotic east Indian.
My guess is that family came up to the front and chit chatted with the pilots for a while. FA probably over reacted and made a report that exaggerated the situation a bit to make it seem potentially outside of policy. BA suspended pilot out of abundance of caution, then probably investigated and found whatever happened was inside of policy and reinstated pilot.
Yep, that sounds like the most likely explanation.
Post 9/11 my wife and I were delayed in San Fran on the ground and the pilot invited everyone to the cockpit. Still have a photo of my wife in the pilot seat. As Australians we were super surprised that this was allowed in the USA!
On the ground is one thing, in the air is an entirely different thing.
It’s true there is something about the optics given the fact it really can’t be seen that clearly. On flights to/ from the USA the door must be secured at all times and open only when crew are doing duties or taking toilet breaks. On other routes not operating within US airspace it’s ok for flight deck crew to invite people they know.
My parents used to love telling a story about a trip they took to Moscow in the late 70s on SU; the flight deck door was open during boarding and the pilots and flight engineer were cheers-ing each other with shots of vodka. Different times for sure.
There were no rules about keeping doors shut or visitors in the 70s.
Once, about 1979 I was in business class and asked if I could sit in the jump seat for a landing at Hong Kong . I was allowed, most amazing experience coming down on autopilot through cloud and there was the runway in front .
I flew Iberia recently in business class, and the pilots had the door open to the cockpit almost the entire flight. This was on MAD-LAX I thought it unusual, but the crew didn't seem to care. One of the pilots was friendly with the passenger seated behind me, and would come out frequently to chat with the lady. The door to the cockpit was only closed during take off and landing.
I had the exact same experience on Iberia recently JFK-MAD. Captain comes out shortly before cruise and is chatting with person in seat across the aisle from me loudly. And is back and forth frequently throughout the night. Each time just leaves the cockpit door wide open. Purser didn’t seem to notice or care at all, even when I got up to go to the lav. Honestly as cool as the seeing down into the...
I had the exact same experience on Iberia recently JFK-MAD. Captain comes out shortly before cruise and is chatting with person in seat across the aisle from me loudly. And is back and forth frequently throughout the night. Each time just leaves the cockpit door wide open. Purser didn’t seem to notice or care at all, even when I got up to go to the lav. Honestly as cool as the seeing down into the cockpit for a second was, the frequent yapping was frustrating on a short TATL where I just wanted to sleep.
“But the logistics of this just don’t add up. This flight was operated by a four cabin Boeing 777-300ER, and the flight deck door is located down a short passageway at the front center of the aircraft, out of view from any seated passenger.”
If the CA’s intent was for his family to witness him, they would have to at least be gathered in that short hallway adjacent to the forward galley to peer into...
“But the logistics of this just don’t add up. This flight was operated by a four cabin Boeing 777-300ER, and the flight deck door is located down a short passageway at the front center of the aircraft, out of view from any seated passenger.”
If the CA’s intent was for his family to witness him, they would have to at least be gathered in that short hallway adjacent to the forward galley to peer into the cockpit. I’m sure this would cause a bit of a spectacle and be observable by both FAs and pax in that first cabin.
I’d bet that the CA thought he was being wily and didn’t let his family into the actual flight deck, but just able to watch him fly from just beyond the threshold. He may not have violated the letter of the regulation, but definitely the spirit of it. Perhaps that’s why he’s back at work (supposedly?), after what I hope was a severe reprimand.
@Bobo: are you referring to a glimpse into the cockpit while in-flight? I do hope that you also view the FA that is supposed to be barricading the door anytime it is open.
"are you referring to a glimpse into the cockpit while in-flight? I do hope that you also view the FA that is supposed to be barricading the door anytime it is open."
Yes, this was while in flight (mid-flight during cruise on a long overnight flight), and nope, there was no FA physically standing in a blocking position (though one was seated nearby in the galley). I have noticed this seemed to be a fairly...
"are you referring to a glimpse into the cockpit while in-flight? I do hope that you also view the FA that is supposed to be barricading the door anytime it is open."
Yes, this was while in flight (mid-flight during cruise on a long overnight flight), and nope, there was no FA physically standing in a blocking position (though one was seated nearby in the galley). I have noticed this seemed to be a fairly relaxed thing on some flights - honestly, it looked surprisingly routine. Cockpit door was fully open, and not just for an instant (like when one of the crew heads to/from the loo). Most passengers were asleep, I was quietly making my way to the forward lav, and I got slight smiles from the FA and even a smiling nod from one of the pilots looking back from the flight deck. I smiled and nodded back before heading into the lav. It all seemed like no big deal - more like things were in pre-paranoia days.
FWIW, I look pretty non-threatening (old white guy, for profiling purposes).
One time, before 9/11, while on the ground in SFO and before engine startup for our flight to Australia, the captain had come out of the flight deck to chat with everyone in business class on the upper deck, quite a surprise. He was extremely gracious and stopped at each row to say hello to everyone. It happened to be my first trip in business class, and I was pretty impressed; I told the captain that, so I was already grinning from ear to ear. I then shared with him that I was a pilot and small aircraft owner myself (both true, I've been flying airplanes all my life). He seemed delighted (ah, the fraternity of pilots...) and then insisted both myself and my wife come forward, not just into the cockpit, but to sit in the left seat (of course, not touching any controls) and have our photos taken there, which we gladly did. Pretty damn cool. Ah, the good old days.
My sense is that nowadays the door to the flight deck gets opened more than many of us might realize, if/when the crew decides conditions are appropriate. The captain has always had a lot of discretion (and power) over what takes place on a flight. This might surprise some folks. It makes me smile.
“You’d hope the first officer would’ve expressed that he wasn’t comfortable with what was happening.”
I guess either First Officer Blunt or Captain Allears weren’t working this flight. They ought to rehearse this more!
The Sun makes the Daily Mail look like the Times.
I am not saying this is the cause or what went down....but BA pilots (especially the older ones) and the legacy FA's have bad blood.
In 2010 the then CEO of BA announced huge changes to the FA's....recruitment to the legacy FA contract would end and a new 'fleet' of crew would be recruited on half of the money being paid to the legacy FA's. Obviously, as legacy FA's left/retired the new fleet would grow...
I am not saying this is the cause or what went down....but BA pilots (especially the older ones) and the legacy FA's have bad blood.
In 2010 the then CEO of BA announced huge changes to the FA's....recruitment to the legacy FA contract would end and a new 'fleet' of crew would be recruited on half of the money being paid to the legacy FA's. Obviously, as legacy FA's left/retired the new fleet would grow and less and less work and destinations would be left to the legacy FA's (who never worked on the same aircraft as the new contract FA's).
The legacy FA's took industrial action in the form of a strike. BA encouraged pilots to 'volunteer' to work as Flight Attendants during the strike and figured that by pretty much grounding the entire short haul network during the Industrial Action if they combined pilot 'volunteers' with the minority of FA's that would still come to work during the strikes they could crew a decent number of long haul flights with a minimum crew complement.
And this is exactly what happened.
Some legacy FA's have never forgiven the pilots for undermining the FA Industrial Action and some still will barely speak to the pilots except for the minimum requirement.
Interesting back story. Sadly BA 'reaps what it sows' ....,
Used to be a respectable operation....
Not really a big deal. I get peeks at the open cockpit door on flights these days fairly often. No pearl-clutching or fainting necessary.
@ Bobo Bolinski -- I agree, but that's also why I assume this isn't what actually happened. A crew wouldn't report a captain because a family member briefly got a peek of the flight deck.
Especially since the European rules allow for pre-authorized cockpit visits, i.e., the captain could have asked the airline to run a background check on his family members and authorize them. No need to keep the cockpit door open for a prolonged period, they would be escorted by cabin crew to the cockpit when the captain asks them do so.