US fines Air France, KLM over flights in prohibited Iraqi airspace
Foreign airlines operating flights under a US airline’s code must comply with US restrictions, and both airlines operate flights under Delta codes.
The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has imposed a $425,000 fine on Air France and KLM for operating flights in Iraq's prohibited airspace below the mandated altitude of 32,000 feet. The FAA's six-year-old order prohibits US airlines from flying in foreign-managed airspace with heightened militant activity or conflict risks that could threaten flight safety.
Both Air France and KLM, which both use Delta codes for some flights, conducted over 30 and over 100 such flights, respectively, between early 2022 and 2025. The airlines must pay $265,000 within 60 days, with the remainder due if any further violations occur within a year. Air France and KLM, citing conflicting traffic and local air traffic controllers' direct orders to descend or refuse takeoffs, claim they acted in the best interest of safety and are committed to following regulatory requirements. Delta declined to comment on the matter.
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- US fines Air France, KLM over flights in prohibited Iraqi airspace freemalaysiatoday.com
