FAA Proposes $255,000 Fine Against American Airlines for Drug and Alcohol Violations
Summary
The FAA proposes a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines for allegedly violating drug and alcohol regulations. Between May 2019 and December 2023, American allowed 12 flight attendants who tested positive for alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, or methamphetamine to resume safety-sensitive duties without completing required follow-up testing. American has 30 days to respond to the enforcement letter.
What changed
The FAA has issued a proposed civil penalty of $255,000 against American Airlines for allegedly violating drug and alcohol testing regulations under 14 CFR Part 120. The agency alleges that between May 2019 and December 2023, American allowed 12 flight attendants who tested positive for prohibited substances to resume safety-sensitive duties without completing all required follow-up testing.
Airlines and employers in safety-sensitive aviation roles must ensure that employees who test positive for drugs or alcohol complete all mandatory follow-up testing requirements before returning to duty. The 30-day response period gives American Airlines an opportunity to respond to the allegations, request a meeting, or request an enforcement conference before any final penalty determination.
What to do next
- Review drug and alcohol testing protocols for safety-sensitive personnel
- Ensure all employees who test positive complete required follow-up testing before resuming duties
- Prepare response to FAA enforcement letter within 30 days
Penalties
$255,000 civil penalty proposed by FAA
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Apr 9, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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FAA Proposes $255,000 Fine Against American Airlines for Alleged Drug and Alcohol Violation
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines (American) for allegedly violating drug and alcohol regulations.
The FAA alleges that between May 2019 and December 2023 American allowed 12 flight attendants who tested positive on drug and alcohol tests to resume performing safety-sensitive duties without completing all the required follow-up testing. The employees tested positive for substances including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
American has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
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