# SAS Captain Arrested for Cocaine After Nice Airport Drug Test, Flight Cancelled

_Jun 15 09:08_

Tags: British Airways, JAL, Japan Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Nice, Stockholm, airline, safety & operations, industry news

A SAS captain tested positive for cocaine at Nice Airport on June 10, 2026, leading to his arrest and the cancellation of flight SK1828 to Stockholm. Passengers are eligible for EC261 compensation

## Summary

A 45-year-old Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) captain was arrested at Nice-Côte d’Azur airport on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, after testing positive for cocaine during a routine spot check by the Air Transport Gendarmerie. He was sentenced the next day to a 10-month suspended prison sentence and a one-year ban on overflying French territory. The immediate operational impact was the cancellation of return flight SK1828 from Nice to Stockholm, as the captain was unable to operate. Passengers were rebooked or housed in Nice. Under EC261/2004 rules, these passengers are eligible for compensation. The article also references previous substance abuse incidents involving British Airways and Japan Airlines crews

## Why it matters

Affects 4 airline programs (British Airways, JAL, Japan Airlines...).

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/06/15/flying-high-sas-captain-arrested-for-cocaine-use-after-drug-test-at-nice-airport?omhide=true) — Flying High: SAS Captain Arrested For Cocaine Use After Drug Test At Nice Airport

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