A RYANAIR pilot found dead in an airport car park is believed to have killed himself.

Captain Jouke Schrale, 45, failed to report for duty on a routine short-haul flight.

Friday’s 8.30am departure from Malaga to Brussels finally took off hours later after a replacement pilot was scrambled.

Capt Schrale, known to pals as Jake, was found dead in his vehicle in a staff car park.

A source said: “He’d never missed a flight in 15 years and so people knew something must be wrong.”

Last night Ryanair said: “His colleagues are in deep shock. We offer our deepest sympathy.”

Capt Schrale flew with the Irish budget airline for ten years.

The Dutchman lived with Belgian partner Jessica in Mijas, Spain.

Ryanair pilots and cabin crew across Europe have recently been on strike over working conditions.