Japan Airlines is once more facing public criticism due to an occurrence involving alcohol use by its staff. This time, the focus is on flight attendants, not pilots, resulting in considerable policy adjustments within the airline.
On May 23, 2026, flight JL252 from Hiroshima to Tokyo was delayed as two flight attendants were discovered to be over the legal alcohol limit. The flight, initially scheduled to depart at 7:40 AM, experienced a delay of over 30 minutes while replacement crew members were brought in. The senior flight attendant involved had been employed by the company since 1992, whereas the lead cabin attendant began working in 2019. Both had consumed alcohol during their layover, surpassing the airline’s rule of abstaining 12 hours before duty.
Japan Airlines maintains strict alcohol testing protocols, including pre-work and pre-flight screenings. The senior flight attendant did not report her pre-work test findings, which indicated a reading of 0.23 milligrams of alcohol per liter of breath. By the time she underwent the pre-flight test, her level remained above the limit, leading to the delay.
In reaction to this incident, Japan Airlines has established a new policy banning all flight attendants from drinking alcohol during layovers, for both domestic and international flights. This decision demonstrates the airline’s dedication to upholding safety and addressing previous concerns regarding intoxicated crew members.
The prompt response by Japan Airlines, including a thorough announcement of the incident and newly established policy, highlights the gravity with which the airline is tackling alcohol-related matters. The new policy seeks to avert future occurrences and guarantee the safety and dependability of its operations.