FAA Proposes $255,000 Civil Penalty Against American Airlines Over Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $255,000 civil penalty against American Airlines for allegedly allowing a group of flight attendants who previously tested positive for drugs or alcohol to return to duty without completing mandatory follow‑up testing.

According to the FAA, the alleged violations occurred between May 2019 and December 2023, during which 12 flight attendants resumed safety‑sensitive duties despite having tested positive for substances including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. The agency said the airline failed to ensure that all required follow‑up testing was completed before the employees were cleared to work.

American Airlines has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the proposed penalty.

The proposed fine against American Airlines follows two similar enforcement actions announced earlier this month:

• On April 3, 2026, the FAA proposed a $304,272 civil penalty against Southwest Airlines for allegedly failing to conduct required follow‑up drug and alcohol testing for 11 employees, including pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft mechanics. Those employees had previously tested positive for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines.

  
  

• On the same day, the FAA proposed a $56,000 civil penalty against Spring City Jet, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for alleged violations of federal drug and alcohol testing regulations. 

The FAA said the enforcement actions reflect its continued focus on ensuring strict compliance with federal drug and alcohol testing requirements for all aviation personnel performing safety‑sensitive functions. American Airlines told media outlets it is reviewing the notice and reiterated that safety remains its top priority.