Drunken Pilot Leaves Passengers Stranded in Germany for Days

More than 100 passengers were stranded at Stuttgart Airport (STR) in southwestern Germany Friday night after a co-pilot was found drunk in the plane's cockpit shortly before takeoff.

TAP Air Portugal flight 523 was supposed to fly from STR to Lisbon when an airport worker noticed the co-pilot walking unsteadily and smelling of alcohol. That employee notified airport officials, and the flight was held on the ground and eventually canceled. The airline apologized and put the 106 passengers up in a hotel for the night.

The passengers have been rebooked to fly to Lisbon on Monday, March 26, which the airline said was the first flight with seats available.

The Local reports that the 40-year-old pilot immediately had his license suspended and that he was detained, with bail set at 10,000 euros. TAP Air Portugal said it would also be conducting an internal investigation.

H/T: The Associated Press