A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested Wednesday at a Georgia airport just before takeoff and accused of driving under the influence, according to airline officials and authorities in Georgia.

A Southwest Airlines flight was delayed multiple hours this week after a pilot was reportedly arrested and charged with DUI before takeoff in Georgia.

The pilot was reportedly removed from the cockpit prior to takeoff at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Accusations of being under the influence led to the arrest of Southwest Airlines pilot David Allsop. The arrest caused a 5-hour delay in Southwest flight 3772, necessitating the transfer of passengers to alternative flights.

The pilot, a 52-year-old from Bedford who has been a licensed pilot since 2008, was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after he allegedly drunkenly reported to a flight assignment at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia. Authorities said that the pilot reeked of alcohol when he showed up in the cockpit.

A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at a Georgia airport and accused of DUI on Wednesday. A TSA officer smelled alcohol on the pilot and informed law enforcement officials, who arrested the pilot at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a source familiar with the situation told NBC News.

A Southwest Airlines pilot was removed from the cockpit ahead of Wednesday's flight from Savannah, Georgia, to Chicago's Midway Airport and was booked with driving under the influence (DUI), according to reports in American media on Thursday.

A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested for alleged intoxication and removed from the cockpit moments before a scheduled flight.