Japan Airlines has issued a public apology after a drunk pilot caused the delay of three flights, prompting a second reprimand from the transport ministry in under a year. According to the airline, the incident occurred on August 28 when a pilot consumed too much alcohol in Hawaii, rendering him unable to operate his flight to Nagoya, Japan, the following day.

The incident resulted in significant delays, with one flight delayed for up to 18 hours. Japan Airlines president, Mitsuko Tottori, held a news conference to apologize for the incident, stating that the airline takes the situation extremely seriously. The transport ministry also summoned the airline’s chief safety officer, Yukio Nakagawa, who received a fresh written warning.

This is not the first time Japan Airlines has faced issues with drunk pilots. In December, the airline banned all alcohol use among flight crew during overnight work stays after two pilots had too much to drink before a flight from Melbourne to Narita, causing a three-hour delay. The airline was given a warning at the time.

The repeat incident has sparked frustration from Transport Minister Hiromasa Nakano, who voiced his disappointment at the airline’s failure to thoroughly educate its employees on safety issues. In 2018, a Japan Airlines pilot was arrested in Britain for being almost 10 times over the legal blood alcohol limit shortly before a flight.

Japan Airlines has pledged to further strengthen its checks on alcohol use and staff health. The airline’s president, Mitsuko Tottori, stated that the company will take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The transport ministry’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols in the aviation industry. The incident highlights the need for airlines to prioritize the safety and well-being of their passengers and staff.