Turkish Airlines cancels Brussels-Istanbul flight after co-pilot fails alcohol test

Turkish Airlines cancelled a flight from Brussels to Istanbul on 27 August after the co-pilot failed an alcohol test, according to Belgian media reports.

The airline reportedly alerted Belgian aviation police after suspecting the pilot had consumed too much alcohol before the flight. Prosecutors in Halle-Vilvoorde then issued the co-pilot with a 24-hour flying ban, and Belgium's aviation authority was informed of the incident.

More than 100 passengers were affected by the cancellation. It is not clear from available reports how they were rebooked, or whether a replacement crew member was found to operate a later service.

No further details about the co-pilot's identity or employment status have been disclosed. The case adds to a series of similar incidents in recent years in which airline crew members have been removed from duty over suspected alcohol consumption ahead of scheduled flights.