The pilot had been scheduled to operate Continental Flight 706 from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Tampa, Fla., Continental said. It would have been his first flight of the day.
Continental did not release the name of the pilot or provide further information about the incident.
The carrier also said it has followed established procedures and notified the Federal Aviation Administration of the incident.
"Continental Airlines has a zero tolerance policy for any alcohol or drug abuse,'' said a Continental spokesman.
"This pilot has been removed from duty, and we have launched our own internal investigation. If the investigation supports the finding, the pilot will no longer be flying for Continental.'The Houston Chron.
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