Administrative Dispositions, Guidance, and Countermeasures Regarding Alcohol-Related Incidents at JAL Since FY2024
JAL profoundly regret that, despite currently implementing corrective measures after receiving Administrative Guidance regarding alcohol consumption in FY 2024, we have subsequently allowed further inappropriate alcohol-related incidents to occur. We offer our sincerest apologies to our customers and all stakeholders for the significant concern and trouble this has caused.
Led by our executive management, we are committed to acting as a unified organization to ensure the robust implementation of our preventive measures and to rebuild trust with our customers and the public. To ensure the effectiveness of these prevention measures, we will continuously refine and strengthen our initiatives, guided by objective assessments and recommendations from a validation committee comprised of a majority of outside directors, external experts on alcohol issues, and our Safety Advisory Group.
May 2026: Incident in Hiroshima
Submission of Countermeasures
On July 17, 2026, JAL submitted our response report to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) regarding the Administrative Warning issued on June 12, 2026.
Administrative Warning
On June 12, 2026, JAL received an Administrative Warning from the MLIT regarding an inappropriate alcohol-related incident involving two cabin attendants who were scheduled to serve on JL252 (from Hiroshima Airport to Tokyo International Airport) on May 23, 2026.
The Administrative Warning pointed out that the two individuals involved attempted to conceal their violation of regulations, that the safety management system failed to detect the delay in testing and did not allow for prompt decision-making regarding fitness for duty, and that repeated alcohol-related incidents have occurred, indicating that safety awareness has still not been fully instilled in each employee.
August 2025: Incident in Honolulu
Submission of Countermeasures
On November 28, 2025 JAL submitted a revised report to the Civil Aviation Bureau, further detailing the recurrence prevention measures initially submitted on September 30, based on evaluations and advice from external experts.
In particular, external experts have been involved in the management of the flight crew drinking tendency management, and we have revised our system to regularly receive objective evaluations and advice regarding the suitability of management criteria and their operation.
Submission of Countermeasures
On September 30, 2025 JAL submitted a report in response to the Administrative Warning issued by the MLIT on September 10, 2025. JAL will unite to implementing the measures we have set forth to prevent a recurrence: “Reconstruction of the Drinking Tendency Management Scheme and Framework”, “Creating Opportunities for Dialogue Between Group Leaders and Individual Flight Crew” and “Start Initiatives to Reduce Alcohol Risks for All Employees.” These preventive measures for recurrence, focusing on the system for drinking tendency management will be reviewed in light of external knowledge.
Administrative Warning
On September 10, 2025, JAL received an Administrative Warning from the MLIT regarding the improper drinking of one cockpit crew (captain) who was scheduled to operate flight JL793 (from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Chubu Centrair International Airport) on August 28, 2025.
The Administrative Warning pointed out that although the company managed and supervised the drinking habits to a certain extent, the management and supervision relating to alcohol were insufficient. Also, even though there have been repeated alcohol-related incidents since last year, safety awareness is not being thoroughly raised among employees was pointed out.
December 2024: Incident in Melbourne
Submission of Countermeasures
On January 24, JAL submitted preventive measures in response to the Business Improvement Advisory issued by the MLIT regarding an alcohol incident involving two pilots on JL774.
Business Improvement Advisory
On Dec 27, 2024 JAL received a Business Improvement Advisory from the Civil Aviation Bureau of the MLIT regarding an alcohol-related misconduct involving two cockpit crew on JL774 (Melbourne to Narita International Airport) that occurred on December 1, 2024.
Although the flight departed after confirming that the cockpit crew's blood alcohol level was 0.00mg/l, it was noted that the crew had consumed alcohol exceeding the limit set for 12 hours before the start of flight duty, and inappropriate behavior by the crew was observed. Additionally, organizational and systemic issues were also pointed out.
April 2024: Incident in Dallas
Submission of Countermeasures
JAL submitted a report to the MLIT on June 11, 2024 in response to the Administrative Warning received from the MLIT on May 27, 2024.
Administrative Warning
On May 27, 2024, JAL received an Administrative Warning from the MLIT regarding a total of five safety-related incidents. These included an incident on April 22, 2024, where a cockpit crew (captain) staying in Dallas engaged in inappropriate behavior due to excessive alcohol consumption, resulting in their inability to operate flight JL11 (from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Tokyo International Airport) on April 24, which led to the cancellation of the flight.
Regarding this specific incident, although it did not constitute a violation of our Operations Manual, the Ministry pointed out that the cockpit crew had failed to maintain rigorous self-discipline regarding alcohol consumption, and that there was no mutual verification from other cockpit crew and staff who were present.