Virgin pilot accused of drinking
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A Virgin transatlantic flight
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Passengers faced a 23-hour delay after a Virgin Atlantic flight was canceled at Dulles International Airport after the pilot was detained for possible alcohol consumption.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Transportation Safety Administration security officials reported the pilot after one of its security screeners suspected he had been drinking.
Airport police then responded to the gate where the plane was set to depart and escorted the pilot, thought to be British, from the aircraft.
"The pilot has been suspended with immediate effect and will face an internal inquiry," said Tara Hamilton, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.
The pilot, who has not been named, had been due to take 383 passengers on Virgin Atlantic flight VS22 from Washington to London's Heathrow airport. on Friday evening.
After the delay, the stranded travellers were put up in hotels until a new crew could be found.
They were expected to leave Washington at 6:15 p.m. local time Saturday (2315 GMT), arriving at London Heathrow early Sunday, 23 hours late.
Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Moore told the UK Press Association Saturday: "We can confirm that one of our pilots has been detained by Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police Department on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol.
"The safety and security of our passengers at Virgin Atlantic is our paramount priority and we operate a strict no-alcohol policy in relation to safety and operational areas.
"The pilot has been stood down from duty and will face an internal inquiry."
-- CNN's Michael McManus contributed to this report
