AMSTERDAM — Dutch aviation authorities removed a pilot and a flight attendant from flight operations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) after routine alcohol screening detected alcohol consumption in both crew members, reinforcing the Netherlands’ strict enforcement of aviation safety regulations.
The incident occurred during a scheduled alcohol control operation carried out by the Aviation Supervision Team in cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. The screening was part of a broader safety initiative aimed at ensuring cockpit and cabin crew compliance with national and European aviation standards.
Routine Screening Identifies Alcohol Use
Authorities said the alcohol checks were conducted on 212 cockpit and cabin crew members at Schiphol. During the operation, one cabin crew member tested above the legal alcohol limit for aviation personnel, while a pilot tested positive for alcohol consumption but remained below the regulatory threshold.
Under Dutch aviation safety rules, both individuals were removed from flight duties. Aviation personnel in the Netherlands are prohibited from consuming alcohol within 10 hours of operating a flight, regardless of measured blood alcohol levels.
Fines and Flight Bans Issued
The cabin crew member recorded a blood alcohol concentration exceeding the legal limit of 0.2 percent. The Public Prosecution Service issued a fine of €1,100 and imposed a five-hour flight ban, preventing the individual from participating in flight operations during that period.
The pilot, while below the legal alcohol limit, was also subject to enforcement measures. Authorities imposed a one-hour flight ban, and the airline removed the pilot from duty for the remainder of the day as a precautionary step.
Dutch officials emphasized that even alcohol consumption below the legal threshold can result in temporary grounding under national aviation safety protocols.
Airline Identity Not Disclosed
Authorities did not identify the airline employing the affected crew members. According to Dutch media outlet AD, the lack of disclosure follows standard procedure when cases involve administrative penalties rather than criminal charges.
Dutch aviation officials routinely withhold airline names in such cases unless public safety concerns or broader legal proceedings require disclosure.
Alcohol Checks Central to Dutch Aviation Oversight
Random alcohol screenings are regularly conducted at airports throughout the Netherlands as part of a nationwide effort to protect passenger safety and maintain compliance among flight crews.
These checks apply equally to cockpit and cabin personnel and are designed to ensure that aviation professionals meet fitness-for-duty requirements before operating commercial flights.
European aviation authorities maintain some of the world’s strictest alcohol limits for flight crew, reflecting the high level of responsibility associated with airline operations.
Similar Incident Involving Delta Air Lines
The Schiphol screening follows a high-profile alcohol-related incident in November 2024 involving Delta Air Lines (DL). Two Delta flight attendants failed alcohol breath tests ahead of operating flight DL49 from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Dutch police conducted the screening and immediately removed and arrested the two crew members. Delta Air Lines suspended both attendants while investigations and disciplinary processes were initiated.
Elevated Alcohol Levels Detected
During the November operation, one female Delta flight attendant tested at 1.43 grams per liter, more than seven times the European regulatory limit of 0.2 grams per liter. She received a fine of €1,900.
The male flight attendant recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.24 grams per liter, slightly above the legal threshold, and was fined €275. Both crew members were detained by authorities and subsequently suspended by the airline.
European Standards and Ongoing Oversight
European regulators mandate strict alcohol limits for all pilots and flight attendants, with random screening required across member states to ensure consistent enforcement. Since 2021, the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft program has included alcohol checks for foreign airlines operating into Europe.
Despite the removal of two cabin crew members shortly before departure, Delta reorganized staffing to keep flight DL49 operating. The flight departed Amsterdam with a delay of approximately 20 minutes and arrived at New York JFK ahead of schedule.
Delta confirmed that both flight attendants remain suspended pending further internal review.
Continued Emphasis on Passenger Safety
Dutch authorities say routine alcohol screenings will continue as part of ongoing aviation safety operations, reinforcing zero-tolerance expectations for flight crew fitness and compliance across all airlines operating at Schiphol.
