United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
BA pilot ‘kidnapped and tortured’
A British Airways pilot experienced a terrifying ordeal after being kidnapped in South Africa.
The first officer was on a layover in Johannesburg.
The pilot was at a supermarket when he was asked to assist a woman with shopping bags.
After helping the woman to her car, he was bundled into the vehicle ‘by a group of men.’
The pilot said he was ‘kidnapped and tortured’ by the gang in a robbery and ‘badly roughed up.’
Under the threat of violence, he was forced to hand over ‘thousands of pounds.’
The Sun cited an unnamed source saying ‘he endured hours of torture and physical assaults.’
The BA crew hotel is situated in the safe area of Melrose Arch but the airline advises staff to avoid certain high-crime areas of Johannesburg.
The airline confirmed ‘a crew member was abducted outside Checkers Bluebird supermarket just north of the Melrose Arch complex.’
“We are supporting our colleague and the local authorities with their investigation,” a BA spokesperson said.
Although later released, the first officer was unable to fly the return flight back to the UK.
A replacement pilot was deployed.
Related News Stories: British hostage on hijacked flight sent daring messages to friends … Tourists kidnapped in Iran Body believed to be that of missing British backpacker found in … Missing cruise ship teen found safe after police hunt Stowaway scorpion causes a stir on British Airways flight British Airways lands in Cincinnati Thai budget airline suffers Phuket crash view all jobs Registration Colombia Nature Travel Mart 2023 Two feared dead after hot air balloon crash
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls