FAA Proposes Penalty for American Over Drug Testing Compliance

The airline has 30 days to respond to the agency.

Zach Vasile

Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10:45 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An American Boeing 787-8. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is proposing a civil penalty against American Airlines for alleged violations of drug and alcohol testing regulations.
American Airlines reportedly allowed 12 flight attendants, who previously tested positive for various substances, to resume safety-sensitive duties between May 2019 and December 2023 without completing all required follow-up testing.
The airline faces a potential fine of $255,000 and has 30 days to respond to the FAA's allegations.

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The FAA is weighing a civil penalty for American Airlines for allegedly violating drug and alcohol testing regulations.

The agency said that, between May 2019 and December 2023, American allowed 12 flight attendants who previously tested positive on drug and alcohol tests to resume performing “safety-sensitive duties” without completing all of the required follow-up testing. The flight attendants tested positive for substances such as alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.

American is facing a potential fine of $255,000 over the matter. It has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the allegations.

According to FAA regulations, airlines must carry out random, unannounced drug and alcohol testing for “safety-sensitive employees.” That category includes not just pilots but all workers who perform safety-related functions.