The FAA has proposed a civil penalty for Southwest over allegations it failed to properly retest employees who previously tested positive for alcohol or drugs.
According to the agency, Southwest failed to conduct all of the required follow-up testing for 11 employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft mechanics. The employees had previously tested positive for alcohol or drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines.
The 11 individuals performed “safety-sensitive functions” for periods of time between August 2021 and July 2024, and should have completed the follow-up testing, officials said.
Regulators plan to impose a fine of $304,272.
Southwest has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond.
