Airline captain arrested over firearms charge as Edinburgh passengers stranded
The United employee was caught in a security check and New York flight was cancelled
Last updated 20th Jan 2024
The captain of an American aircraft due to fly from Edinburgh to New York this morning has been arrested over a firearms offence.
The skipper of the United Airlines flight - which was due to depart at 9.25 - was caught in a routine security search at the airport as he prepared to take control of the service.
Passengers were then informed that the flight was cancelled as the airline employee was taken into custody by Police.
We understand that the weapon recovered was not a gun but a taser-style device, which is also illegal on aircraft on air travel in the UK.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following a security search at Edinburgh Airport on Saturday, 20 January, a 56-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a firearms offence.
“He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 January, 2024.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”