Alex Salmond refused entry on to BA flight after booking ticket under Star Trek captain’s name

The former SNP leader reportedly uses the name for security reasons

Alex Salmond was reportedly refused entry on to a flight after booking his ticket under the name James T. Kirk - a reference to the fictional captain of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise.

The former Scottish First Minister and leader of the failed Yes Campaign during the Scottish referendum was trying to board a flight from Heathrow Airport to Scotland when he was stopped by staff from British Airways, according to The Mail on Sunday.

Staff refused to let him on the flight after realising the name on his ticket, James T. Kirk, did not match the name on his passport, it was reported.

Mr Salmond apparently said he booked the flight using the fictional character as an alias for security reasons. A keen Star Trek fan, he has reportedly used the name for years while travelling with protection officers who could back up his story.

He was forced to show staff emails explaining his use of a false name before eventually being allowed to board the plane.

Mr Salmond told the Press Association: “Now that my cover has been blown by the Mail on Sunday, I will choose another Star Trek character - but not Mr Spock because that would be illogical.”

A spokesperson for BA told The Independent it could not comment on the travel arrangements of individual customers. Mr Salmond did not immediately respond to a request for comment.