Japan Airlines (JAL) faced another flight disruption after a cabin crew member's drinking problem resurfaced, prompting Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to launch an investigation and intensifying criticism of the airline's safety management.
According to Yomiuri Shimbun and other local media on Tuesday, JAL Flight JL252, scheduled to depart Hiroshima Airport for Tokyo's Haneda Airport on October 23, was delayed by 42 minutes due to a crew replacement.
The issue began when a senior female cabin attendant in her 50s exceeded the alcohol limit in a pre-duty test. The company immediately removed her from duty and brought in a replacement, but both departure and arrival were delayed during the substitution process.
The investigation found that the attendant had drunk alcohol the previous night at a hotel lounge with a female crew member in her 30s who was scheduled to work the same flight. The two reportedly consumed several glasses of beer and wine. JAL prohibits drinking within 12 hours of a flight and also limits the amount of alcohol consumed.
The senior attendant reportedly traveled to the airport without properly completing the pre-flight alcohol test required at her accommodation. Although colleagues repeatedly urged her to retake the test, she refused, and alcohol was eventually detected in a test conducted at the airport.
The attendant in her 30s who had been drinking with her was also excluded from duty that day, citing poor physical condition. JAL explained that there was "a communication breakdown caused by the hierarchical structure, in which colleagues could not strongly stop a senior crew member of higher rank."
JAL issued an official apology, saying it "takes seriously the damage to public trust caused by the series of alcohol-related incidents." The airline added that, starting October 27, it has implemented a complete ban on drinking by cabin crew at both domestic and overseas accommodations to prevent recurrence. The company also announced strict measures against crew members who violated regulations.
JAL has been embroiled in multiple controversies over alcohol-related issues involving pilots and crew in recent years. Last year, a captain who had been drinking during a stay in Hawaii reported feeling unwell, leading to consecutive delays of three flights. Some pilots were also criticized after it was revealed they had reported for duty while concealing violations of drinking regulations.
