Japan Airlines to Suspend Pilots Who Fail Liver Function Tests
Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced that it will suspend pilots deemed at high risk if their liver function deteriorates beyond specified medical thresholds, introducing stricter safety measures following an alcohol-related incident that caused significant flight delays earlier this year.
The move comes after a JAL pilot was found unfit to operate a flight from Honolulu to Japan in August due to excessive drinking. The flight was delayed for about two hours, while two other flights bound for Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from Hawaii were delayed for more than 18 hours as a result. The pilot was subsequently dismissed.
In response, JAL submitted a comprehensive set of preventive measures to Japan’s transport ministry to avoid similar incidents in the future. The airline acknowledged that “internal reforms to raise safety awareness were insufficient” despite previous efforts to curb alcohol-related misconduct among flight crews.
In mid-September, JAL took the unprecedented step of disciplining 37 senior executives—including its president, all board directors, and executive officers—by reducing their pay. The airline said this was meant to demonstrate collective accountability and reinforce a top-down commitment to safety culture reform.
The transport ministry formally reprimanded JAL for the incident and ordered the airline to report on corrective safety measures. Authorities also cited previous cases in which pilots attempted to conceal preflight drinking, raising concerns about systemic issues in the company’s safety oversight.
According to JAL, six pilots have already been suspended from duty for alcohol-related or medical concerns. The airline admitted that its earlier unilateral imposition of stricter drinking rules had faced internal resistance, prompting a renewed effort to consult with labor representatives before implementing new policies.
JAL now plans to establish a consultative framework with pilot unions to ensure fair and effective enforcement of alcohol and health-related standards. Under the new policy, pilots who fail liver function tests or exhibit signs of excessive alcohol consumption will be temporarily grounded until medical clearance is obtained.
Some pilots, however, have argued that moderate drinking helps them relax after long international flights or cope with the pressures of irregular schedules, particularly amid ongoing pilot shortages.
In December, JAL reinforced its zero-tolerance stance by banning pilots from consuming alcohol during layovers before return flights, underscoring its determination to prioritize passenger safety and restore public trust.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ftnnews.com