A British Airways pilot was reportedly kidnapped and tortured during a layover between flights in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday. The shocking incident has raised concerns about the safety of airline crews in the country. The pilot, who has not been named, was reportedly approached by a woman in a supermarket car park who asked him to help carry her bags to her car. When he reached the vehicle, he was bundled inside by a group of men and driven to a remote location. The pilot was allegedly held captive for several hours and subjected to physical and psychological torture. He was eventually released after being robbed of his belongings. The pilot was too traumatized to fly the plane back to London and was replaced by another crew member. He is currently receiving medical treatment and support from British Airways.
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British Airways Statement
British Airways has confirmed the incident and said that it is "providing support to the crew member and his family." The airline has also said that it is working with the South African authorities to investigate the kidnapping.
Safety Concerns
The kidnapping has raised concerns about the safety of airline crews in South Africa. Johannesburg has a relatively high crime rate, and airline crews have been targeted in the past. In 2017, a South African Airways pilot was robbed at gunpoint while on a layover in Johannesburg. British Airways has said that it is reviewing its security procedures for crews in South Africa. The airline has also said that it is advising its crews to be extra vigilant when they are on layovers in the country.
Investigation Ongoing
The South African police are investigating the kidnapping, but no arrests have been made yet. The motive for the kidnapping is also unclear.
Union Calls for Action
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has called for action to be taken to improve the safety of airline crews in South Africa. BALPA has said that it is "deeply concerned" about the kidnapping and has urged the South African authorities to do more to protect airline crews.
Conclusion
The kidnapping of a British Airways pilot in South Africa is a serious crime that has raised concerns about the safety of airline crews in the country. The South African authorities must investigate the kidnapping thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice. It is also important that airlines take steps to improve the safety of their crews when they are on layovers in high-crime areas.