Japan Airlines warned again after cabin crew alcohol breach causes delay

Japan Airlines (JAL) has received a fresh warning from Japan’s transport ministry after cabin crew members breached strict alcohol rules, leading to a flight delay. According to authorities, two cabin attendants — including a senior purser — consumed alcohol within 12 hours of duty ahead of a domestic flight from Hiroshima to Tokyo in late May. The violation led to the departure being delayed by more than 40 minutes.

Japan’s Civil Aeronautics Act and JAL’s internal regulations prohibit pre-flight alcohol consumption for crew members.

The ministry has ordered JAL to submit a detailed plan by 17 July outlining measures to prevent a recurrence. It also noted that this is the second warning issued to the airline in recent months, following a separate incident involving a captain who had consumed alcohol before an international service.

JAL said it “takes the matter extremely seriously”. The airline confirmed that the chief cabin attendant has been dismissed, while the second crew member has been suspended. In addition, the company’s 37 board members will have their allowances reduced as part of internal disciplinary action.