Japanese airliner ordered to grant in-flight breaks to cabin crew

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL - A Japanese court on Tuesday ordered low-cost carrier Jetstar Japan to provide in-flight breaks for its cabin crew, siding with 35 employees who argued the airline had violated labor laws by denying them proper rest periods during flights.

The Tokyo District Court also fined the airline 110,000 yen (approximately $780) for each plaintiff, citing the “high level of psychological and physical stress” the employees endured, Kyodo News reported.

The lawsuit was brought by cabin crew members who said Jetstar failed to comply with Japan’s labor standards, depriving them of the breaks legally required during working hours. “The crew's health and dignity need to be protected for safe flights,” the employees said in a statement following the verdict.

Jetstar Japan filed an appeal later the same day.

During the trial, the airline claimed crew members had access to rest areas and could rest after completing duties. However, Judge Yasumori Takase rejected that argument, ruling that such moments could not be considered legitimate breaks, as cabin crew remained responsible for passenger assistance, emergency response, and overall flight safety throughout the journey.