Samoa Airways Cancels Flights After Employees Test Positive for Drugs and Alcohol
The Apia Faleolo-based airline had to lease aircraft from a competitor to meet flight demand.
Samoa Airways took the drastic measure of canceling all scheduled flights on February 12 after it was revealed that 10% of its employees tested positive for illegal substances, prescription medication, and alcohol.
The Apia Faleolo-based airline had to lease aircraft from a competitor to meet flight demand.
According to information obtained by CH-Aviation, three employees tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cannabis and were suspended pending a final management decision.
Additionally, six employees who tested positive for alcohol received warning letters and underwent further testing, though the results have yet to be released, as reported by our partner media outlet, Aeroin.
The tests were conducted in Samoa by the Samoa Scientific Research Organization (SROS) as part of the airline’s drug and alcohol testing policy.
A pilot who tested positive for a prescription drug (sleeping pills) was also suspended but was later reinstated after a second test came back negative.
Samoa Airways CEO Fauo’o Fatu Tielu told the Samoa Observer that the employee suspensions, combined with other staff being on sick leave or vacation, left the airline with too few crew members to operate scheduled flights that day.
"One of our pilots tested positive, two were on sick leave, another was on vacation, and one more did not have enough flight hours, so we had to lease capacity from Talofa Airways, which cost us $30,000," Tielu explained.
Samoa Airways operates two DHC-6-300 aircraft, offering flights between Apia Fagali’i and Apia Faleolo to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The airline also connects Pago Pago with Fitiuta and Ofu, both in American Samoa.
Tielu emphasized that, given the company’s role as a local ground handler for airlines like Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways, maintaining a safe work environment and high operational standards is essential. Publishing the test results, he said, demonstrates transparency and accountability.
“Samoa Airways prioritizes safety above all else,” the airline stated. “The recent flight cancellations, though inconvenient, are a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. Our dedication to safety extends to our partner airlines, which rely on us to uphold these high operational standards.”
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