Pilot arrested at Bristol Airport in alcohol probe
An airline flying from Bristol Airport has said a "thorough investigation" will take place after a pilot was arrested minutes before take-off.
Airport staff contacted police on Thursday following concerns over the man's fitness to fly.
A police spokesman said the man failed a breath test and was arrested.
"He was taken to a police station and passed a second test. No offences were disclosed and he was released with no further action being taken," he added.
The flight to Ireland, which was delayed, had 24 people on board.
Aer Arann, which operates the aircraft on behalf of Aer Lingus, said safety was its "utmost priority".
"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and a thorough investigation has already started," a spokesman said.
"There are checks and systems in place and this particular pilot did not board or fly the aircraft."
The legal limit for pilots is nine micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
This is more than three times stricter than the drink-drive limit, which is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.