Overview

• JAL says the Honolulu‑based international captain admitted drinking three 500‑milliliter beers at his hotel on August 28 local time, violating company rules.
• He reported unwell on his duty day and was deemed unfit to fly, leading to a roughly two‑hour delay on the Honolulu–Chubu flight and more than 18‑hour delays on two Haneda services.
• About 630 passengers were affected by the cascading disruptions across the three flights, according to the airline.
• The pilot was on JAL’s internal watchlist for alcohol concerns and had told the company in a prior meeting that he would abstain from drinking.
• Japan’s transport ministry conducted a temporary on‑site inspection under the Aviation Law, and JAL says it is taking the case seriously and will implement additional prevention measures.