The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines, alleging the carrier allowed flight attendants who failed drug and alcohol tests to return to work without completing required follow-up testing.
According to the FAA, 12 American Airlines flight attendants tested positive for substances including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine between May 2019 and December 2023.
The agency claims these employees resumed safety-sensitive duties before fulfilling all mandated testing requirements.
American Airlines told Newsweek it is reviewing the notice. “The safety of our customers and team members is paramount. We take drug and alcohol testing seriously and collaborate with the FAA to address any issues,” the airline said. “These programs have been enhanced over the years through meaningful action to strengthen procedures for oversight and accountability.”
The carrier has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s enforcement letter.
The proposed penalty comes just days after the FAA announced a similar action against Southwest Airlines.
On April 3, 2026, the regulator proposed a $304,000 fine against Southwest for allegedly failing to conduct follow-up testing on 11 employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft mechanics who had previously tested positive for alcohol or drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines.
Those alleged violations occurred between August 2021 and July 2024.
