Two pilots have been arrested after allegedly failing breath tests before boarding a US flight from Glasgow Airport.

The men, aged 61 and 45, were arrested by police on suspicion of being under the influence of drink or drugs before the United Airlines flight on Saturday morning.

The flight, number UA162 to Newark in New Jersey, was scheduled to take off at 9am but was cancelled after the pair’s arrest.

Police Scotland confirmed both men are pilots and that they are due to appear in court on Tuesday.

Offences involving aviation staff intoxicated by either alcohol or drugs can face up to two years in prison or a fine if found guilty under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.

The limit for alcohol in the breath for pilots is specified as 9 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml, which is less than half the 22 microgrammes limit for drivers in Scotland.

A spokesman for Glasgow Airport said: “This morning Police Scotland did attend before the United Airlines flight UA162, going to Newark.

“The flight was subsequently cancelled.”

United Airlines has been reached for comment.

In response to a question on Twitter about the flight cancellation, the airline wrote: “We regret that our flight for today from GLA to EWR, UA162, has been cancelled because of crew availability.”

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