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.
