Three flight crew members fined for alcohol violations at Schiphol
A routine alcohol inspection conducted at Schiphol Airport on November 29 revealed that three flight crew members from foreign airlines exceeded the legal alcohol limit for aviation personnel. The inspections, carried out by the Dutch Team for Aviation Supervision and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, involved 445 breathalyzer tests conducted between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.
One stewardess tested at 1.43 promille, more than seven times the allowable alcohol limit of 0.2 promille for aviation personnel. She received a fine of 1,900 euro, the highest penalty issued during the operation.
Another stewardess from a different foreign airline was found with a blood alcohol level of 1.30 promille, resulting in an 1,800 euro fine.
The third offender, a male steward who works for the same airline as the first stewardess, tested at 0.24 promille and was fined 275 euro.
The police noted that none of the individuals fined worked for Dutch airlines. The names of the airlines involved were not disclosed.
Under Dutch aviation regulations, flight crew members are prohibited from consuming alcohol within 10 hours prior to a flight. During active duty, their blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.2 promille, equivalent to less than one standard drink for most adults.
The Team for Aviation Supervision routinely conducts alcohol tests on cabin and cockpit personnel at Schiphol to ensure compliance with these safety standards.
According to police statements, the three individuals fined were the only ones among 445 tested who exceeded the legal limit. The tests are part of ongoing efforts to monitor and maintain safety standards for airline operations. "These controls are critical for ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew," said a police spokesperson. The investigation did not result in any arrests. The fines issued to the crew members were settled on-site.
For reference, consuming one to two glasses of alcohol typically results in a blood alcohol level of 0.5 promille in an average adult. Levels between 1.5 and 3.0 promille are considered indicative of drunkenness.
