On Friday, November 29, 2024, a significant aviation safety concern arose when two flight attendants on Delta Air Lines’ Amsterdam-New York (DL49) flight failed alcohol tests prior to departure. The crew members were found to have consumed alcohol beyond legal limits, leading to their immediate arrest by Dutch police and dismissal from their positions.
Test Results and Penalties
The female flight attendant’s blood alcohol level was measured at 1.43 g/L—seven times the legal limit of 0.2 g/L under European aviation regulations—resulting in a €1,900 fine.
The male flight attendant registered a blood alcohol level of 0.24 g/L, slightly above the legal threshold, and was fined €275.
Delta’s Swift Response
Delta Air Lines promptly suspended the two crew members and initiated termination proceedings. Despite the incident, Delta’s operational flexibility ensured the flight departed with only a 20-minute delay and arrived in New York ahead of schedule.
Extensive Police Operation
The incident occurred during a large-scale joint law enforcement operation at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where a total of 445 crew members underwent alcohol testing. This operation was part of broader efforts across Europe to enhance flight safety through rigorous monitoring.
European Aviation Regulations
In Europe, aviation personnel are prohibited from consuming alcohol within 10 hours of a flight, with a maximum allowable blood alcohol level of 0.2 g/L during duty. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has emphasized that these rules alone are insufficient and that mandatory stringent testing protocols are essential for ensuring compliance.
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