Two Delta Air Lines flight attendants were yanked from a New York City-bound flight at Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport after failing random breathalyzer tests, with one registering a shocking seven times over the legal limit for airline crew, as reported by The New York Post.
The incident underscores the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry.
Dutch authorities conducted routine alcohol screenings on 445 airline employees Friday, targeting pilots and flight attendants. Among the violators, two Delta crew members slated for a flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport stood out for their egregious violations of the Netherlands’ strict alcohol regulations.
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One attendant barely exceeded the legal limit of 0.02 BAC, blowing a 0.024. Dutch police fined the individual $290 for the infraction. However, the second attendant registered a staggering 0.143 BAC, seven times the legal limit for flight crews in the Netherlands and nearly twice the U.S. driving limit of 0.08.
This blatant disregard for safety resulted in the maximum fine of $1,900. Both attendants were immediately removed from their duties, ensuring they would not endanger the flight.
A Delta spokesperson emphasized the airline’s zero-tolerance policy on alcohol violations. “Delta’s alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have zero tolerance for violation. The employees were removed from their scheduled duties and the flight departed as scheduled,” the representative told CBS News. Despite the disruption, the airline maintained operational efficiency, avoiding any delays for passengers.
A third violator, who worked for a different airline, also failed a breathalyzer test and faced the same maximum fine of $1,900. Dutch authorities declined to disclose the airline or further details about the individual.
The Netherlands enforces stricter alcohol policies than the United States for flight crews. While the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. advises an eight-hour gap between drinking and operating an aircraft, Dutch regulations extend this to 10 hours. These tighter standards are designed to prevent any impairment in judgment or ability that could compromise passenger safety.
Delta’s swift response to the incident highlights the airline’s commitment to maintaining passenger safety and industry standards. However, the incident raises broader questions about accountability and enforcement of alcohol policies across airlines. Ensuring a culture of responsibility among flight crews is essential to preventing future incidents that could endanger lives.
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