British Airways pilot suspended for inflight breach

A British Airways pilot has reportedly been suspended for allegedly leaving the cockpit door open during a flight, violating anti-terror laws.

The captain, flying from Heathrow Airport to New York JFK, reportedly wanted his family, who were on board, to watch him operate the controls. This allegedly caused concern among passengers, and some crew members reported the incident to British Airways. 

He was suspended, and the Civil Aviation Authority launched an urgent investigation into the security breach. It meant the return flight that was due to land in London on the 8th of August was cancelled.

"The door was wide open for a significant time -- enough for people to worry and comment. BA colleagues were so alarmed that the pilot was reported in the US and bosses had to suspend him."

A British Airways spokesperson said: "Safety and security is our top priority and allegations of this nature are always fully investigated."

Since the September 11 terror attacks in the US in 2001, pilots have been required to keep cockpit doors closed and locked to prevent unauthorised access.