Whistleblowing in airlines and the aviation industry 

Whistleblowing is an important tool to ensure that safety and ethical standards are maintained. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases from airlines that have highlighted the importance of whistleblowing in the aviation industry. 

A whistleblower working at Dublin Airport has made a protected disclosure about security at the airport 

Last month, Dublin Airport launched an internal review after a major security breach, in which a man managed to bypass security and board an airplane without a passport or boarding pass.  

The person was able to pass through security screening and bypass airline staff at the gate, but was later removed from the aircraft by the Airport Police. The man has been charged and fined for his offences. This incident comes after a person working at Dublin Airport made a protected disclosure about security at the airport, claiming that security screening is “not fit for purpose”.  

The protected disclosure was handed to Ireland’s Transport Minister last June, as Dublin Airport did not have procedures for internal reporting in place. The Irish Aviation Authority has since found evidence supporting the whistleblower’s claim of vulnerabilities at the airport, which could lead to a possible terrorist attack.  

The DAA is now set to appear before the Transport Committee to answer questions around security standards at the airport.  

Airline safety and maintenance violations are re-occurring complaints 

In 2010, a Japanese airline pilot reported to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) that the company he was working for was allowing its planes to fly with malfunctioning parts. As a result of his whistleblowing, the airline was ordered to suspend flights and was fined for violating safety regulations. 

In 2019, a former American Airlines pilot was the subject of a whistleblower complaint. The pilot alleged that the airline was failing to adhere to FAA safety regulations and was operating planes that were not properly maintained. The FAA launched an investigation into the complaint and found that American Airlines had failed to comply with safety regulations on multiple occasions. 

In 2016, a Qantas Airways engineer reported to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that the airline was not properly maintaining its aircraft. The engineer alleged that the airline was using unqualified staff to carry out repairs and was not adhering to safety regulations. After an investigation, CASA found that Qantas had failed to comply with safety regulations and fined the airline $2 million. 

Read more about whistleblowing of greater public interest here. 

Whistleblowing in airlines and the aviation industry is also important for protecting workers’ rights

In 2020, a JetBlue Airways pilot reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that the airline was subjecting its pilots to unsafe working conditions. The pilot alleged that the airline was failing to provide its pilots with adequate rest and was forcing them to fly longer hours than the FAA regulations allowed. After an investigation, OSHA found that JetBlue had violated labour laws and fined the airline $2.5 million. 

The above examples demonstrate the importance of whistleblowers in the aviation industry. Whistleblowers are a key source of information for authorities and the public when it comes to ensuring that safety and ethical standards are being followed. Without whistleblowers, potentially dangerous and unethical practices could go unchecked and put passengers, workers, and the public at risk. 

Read more about whistleblowing in transport and logistics here. 

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