MADRID — Spain is to be the first European country to force pilots to face random drug and alcohol tests.

The public works ministry said all national airlines may have to take the tests.

The ministry did not say when the testing would begin but said pilots and flight attendants could be stopped at any airport.

Pilots union SEPLA called for talks with the government over the plans.

They said ground crew should also have to undergo tests, especially technicians and engineers.

The move puts Spain on a par with the United States.

But in other European countries, pilots and flight crews only have to take breathalyser or drugs tests if there is reasonable grounds for suspicion they may be unfit to fly.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news