The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines for allegedly allowing 12 flight attendants who tested positive for drugs or alcohol to resume safety-sensitive duties without completing required follow-up testing. These violations occurred between May 2019 and December 2023, involving substances such as alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
The FAA’s enforcement letter highlights failures in federal drug and alcohol regulations, which mandate evaluation, treatment, and verified follow-up tests before crew return to roles like flight attendants. This lapse directly impacts aviation safety protocols for personnel in critical positions.
American Airlines confirmed it is reviewing the notice and has 30 days to respond, potentially contesting or settling the proposed fine. The action underscores heightened FAA scrutiny on major carriers’ compliance amid recent similar penalties against Southwest Airlines for comparable issues spanning 2021 to 2024.
Such violations expose airlines to operational risks, including potential crew impairment in passenger-facing duties, prompting regulators to enforce strict return-to-duty processes. American’s response will determine if the penalty proceeds or leads to corrective measures enhancing testing oversight.