Japan Airlines Faces Second Ministry Reprimand Over Drunk Pilot Delays

Japan Airlines (JAL), the country's second largest carrier, has publicly apologized and dismissed a pilot after he consumed alcohol before a flight from Honolulu to Nagoya, causing delays to three flights and affecting around 630 passengers. This incident on August 28, 2025, marks the airline's second reprimand from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism within a year concerning alcohol-related violations by flight crew. JAL President Mitsuko Tottori expressed deep regret, promising to strengthen alcohol and health checks for pilots and suspend pilots involved; four pilots have already been suspended. Despite previous measures such as banning alcohol during overnight layovers implemented after a similar December 2024 incident, the airline has struggled with repeated safety breaches. Transport Minister Hiromasa Nakano criticized JAL for failing to thoroughly educate employees on safety issues and deemed the repeated incidents extremely regrettable. The ministry has urged JAL to submit preventive measures by the end of the month to avoid future violations and ensure aviation safety.