HOUSTON -- A Continental Airlines pilot was removed from a flight after employees reported the smell of alcohol on his breath, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The pilot was scheduled on flight 706 to Tampa, Fla., Sunday morning, Continental Airlines officials said.

The pilot was riding to the airport with several other employees, who reported smelling alcohol on the pilot's breath.

The employees alerted Continental Airlines management. The airline did not allow the pilot to get on the aircraft.

"Continental Airlines has a zero-tolerance policy for any alcohol or drug abuse," read a statement released by Continental Airlines. "The pilot was removed from the flight so that we could launch our own internal investigation."

Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the pilot was removed during a pre-flight briefing.

Federal Aviation Administration guidelines prohibit any pilot from flying within eight hours of consuming alcohol.

Continental Airlines officials said the pilot was given a blood-alcohol test. Officials said the pilot tested above the limit for pilots.

"If the investigation supports the findings, the pilot will no longer be flying for Continental," the Continental Airlines statement read.

Once Continental Airlines completes its investigation, the FAA will conduct itsown investigation to determine if the pilot's license should be suspended.