The British Airways stewardess was arrested after the pilot called the police at 30,000 feet, fearing he was drunk and possibly on drugs

A BRITISH Airways stewardess has been arrested after a pilot called police at 30,000ft over fears she was drunk and possibly under the influence of drugs.

Waiting police officers boarded the Gran Canaria plane as it landed at Gatwick Airport.

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The 41-year-old stewardess failed a breathalyzer test and was found to have a high level of alcohol in her blood.

Passengers looked on in shock as their Airbus A320 was parked in a secluded stand and locked for 45 minutes upon arrival in the UK on Thursday afternoon.

Colleagues of the stewardess – including the cockpit crew – have been asked to assist the officers with their queries.

They thought she might have been under the influence of drugs, too, but police didn’t confirm that.

A source said: “The pilot saw for himself that the crew member was unable to work and engage with passengers.

“Her job is to ensure the safety of the plane and its passengers and she was unable to do that.

“He radioed ahead and called the police to meet the plane.

“The investigation has shocked everyone at the airline.”

The stewardess was “relieved” of her duties while the investigation was ongoing.

Sussex Police confirmed: “Officers have arrested a 41-year-old woman on suspicion of performing an aviation function when she exceeded the prescribed alcohol limit, contrary to the Railways and Transport Act 2003.

“She has been released on bail pending further investigation.”

BA said last night: “We are assisting the police in their investigation.”