Japan Airlines to Enforce Stricter Liver Tests After Pilot Alcohol Scandals

Japan Airlines (JAL) is tightening its medical oversight of pilots following a series of alcohol-related incidents that led to multiple suspensions, flight delays, and public reprimands from Japan’s transport ministry. The carrier now plans to introduce more rigorous liver function tests and suspend pilots deemed at high risk for alcohol misuse, according to reports from Kyodo News.

The proposed policy follows mounting government pressure on JAL to strengthen its internal controls after repeated cases of intoxicated pilots disrupted operations and damaged the airline’s reputation. The transport ministry formally admonished the airline, urging it to implement concrete, preventive measures to ensure flight safety and maintain public trust.

Under the new plan, JAL will expand liver enzyme testing among flight crew, particularly targeting individuals classified as “high risk.” Pilots who fail to meet health standards may face temporary suspension from flight duties pending further medical review. The airline is currently collaborating with medical experts and aviation authorities to finalize the testing framework and define thresholds for intervention.

The initiative replaces an earlier proposal that required pilots with a history of alcohol issues to sign written pledges vowing to abstain from drinking—a measure that met strong resistance from pilot unions. The revised approach aims to create a data-driven health monitoring system rather than rely on self-regulation or voluntary commitments.

The stricter oversight follows several high-profile incidents over the past two years. In April 2024, a Japan Airlines flight from Dallas to Tokyo was canceled after the captain was found drunk and disorderly at a hotel, prompting police involvement. Later that year, in December, two pilots on a Melbourne–Tokyo service exceeded the company’s alcohol limits, delaying departure by three hours and resulting in their dismissal.

In another case in August 2025, a JAL captain admitted to drinking prior to operating a flight from Honolulu to Nagoya, leading to three delayed flights—two of them by nearly 18 hours. The incident led to the pilot’s termination and executive pay cuts for senior management.

These repeated violations have triggered intense scrutiny from regulators and the public, highlighting concerns over Japan’s aviation safety culture and alcohol policies. The transport ministry has made it clear that it expects “zero tolerance” for alcohol-related misconduct among flight crew.

Japan Airlines has pledged to restore confidence by reinforcing its corporate accountability and prioritizing passenger safety. “We take these matters very seriously and are committed to preventing a recurrence,” a JAL spokesperson said. “The safety of our passengers and employees remains our top priority.”

The new testing regime, once approved, will represent one of the most comprehensive pilot alcohol-monitoring programs in the global aviation industry—signaling a major shift toward medical transparency and stricter enforcement in Japan’s airline sector.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, gatechecked.com, Kyodo News