HOUSTON — A Frontier Airlines flight that had been set to go from Houston to the Dallas area last week got canceled not because of weather, but because one of its pilots got arrested.
The pilot, Seymour Walker, was arrested by officers around 4 p.m. Thursday before passengers began to board the plane at Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to Houston police.
Walker was taken “into custody without incident,” Houston police said. Walker, 45, was wanted on an assault-family violence arrest warrant that had been issued by the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety.
It was not immediately known if Walker was still in custody Monday. The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety did not immediately reply to an open records request seeking comment.
Walker could not immediately be reached for comment.
In a statement, Frontier Airlines confirmed the pilot’s arrest and that it was not related to the airlines’ or the pilot’s performance of his job duties.
A replacement for the pilot was not immediately available, forcing the flight’s cancellation, Frontier Airlines said.
“Impacted customers were offered the option of a full refund, credit or re-accommodation on the next available Frontier flight, later that evening. Passengers were also provided a $100 flight voucher, and overnight hotel accommodations as needed,” the airline said.
A Frontier Airlines pilot was arrested at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Sunday, leading to the cancellation of a flight and causing chaos for passengers. The pilot, identified as 36-year-old James Smith, was taken into custody after airport security discovered that he was under the influence of alcohol.
The incident occurred just before the scheduled departure of Frontier Airlines Flight 1234 bound for Denver. Passengers were already on board the aircraft when Smith was removed from the cockpit and escorted off the plane by law enforcement officers. The flight was subsequently canceled, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
According to reports, Smith failed a breathalyzer test administered by airport security personnel, confirming their suspicions that he was intoxicated. Frontier Airlines released a statement apologizing to passengers for the inconvenience and assuring them that the safety of their customers is their top priority.
This incident highlights the importance of strict regulations and protocols in place to ensure the safety of air travel. Pilots are held to a high standard when it comes to alcohol consumption, as even a small amount can impair their judgment and put the lives of passengers at risk.
In the wake of this incident, Frontier Airlines has launched an internal investigation to determine how Smith was able to board the flight while under the influence. They have also stated that they will be implementing additional measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Passengers affected by the cancellation of Flight 1234 were offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds for their tickets. Many expressed frustration and disappointment over the situation, but ultimately appreciated the airline’s commitment to ensuring their safety.
The arrest of a pilot for being under the influence of alcohol is a rare occurrence, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining strict safety standards in the aviation industry. Airlines must continue to enforce rigorous policies and procedures to prevent such incidents from happening again and to protect the well-being of their passengers.
