The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines for allegedly allowing 12 flight attendants to resume safety-sensitive duties without completing required follow-up drug and alcohol testing.
According to the FAA, these employees tested positive for substances including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine between May 2019 and December 2023. The agency states that the flight attendants returned to work before fulfilling all mandated testing requirements.
American Airlines confirmed it is reviewing the enforcement notice. The airline emphasized that safety remains its top priority and that it takes drug and alcohol testing seriously, working with the FAA to resolve issues. American added that it has strengthened its programs over time with improved oversight and accountability measures.
The carrier has 30 days from receipt of the FAA enforcement letter to respond.
This action follows a similar FAA proposal last week against Southwest Airlines, which faces a $304,272 fine for failing to conduct follow-up tests on 11 employees, including pilots, flight attendants and mechanics, who had tested positive for alcohol or drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines. Those incidents spanned August 2021 to July 2024.