The US Department of Transportation has imposed a combined fine of $425,000 on French airline Air France and Dutch carrier KLM over alleged violations of Iraqi airspace restrictions.
The airlines were accused of operating flights below an altitude of 32,000 feet within Iraq’s Baghdad Flight Information Region. The restrictions were introduced by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) because of security risks.
The alleged violations took place between 2022 and 2025. According to US aviation authorities, more than 30 Air France flights and over 100 KLM flights passed through the restricted Iraqi airspace.
The flights were operated under codeshare agreements with US airline Delta Air Lines. Under applicable US rules, foreign carriers operating codeshare flights with American airlines must comply with relevant US aviation safety requirements.
KLM has been fined $320,000, while Air France faces a penalty of $105,000. The two airlines must pay a combined $265,000 within 60 days. The remaining amount may be waived if they avoid similar violations over the following year.
Both airlines told US authorities that they were committed to complying with regulatory requirements. They explained that, during the flights in question, Iraqi air traffic controllers had directly instructed their pilots to descend or not climb to higher altitudes because of air traffic congestion.
The airlines said following these instructions was necessary for flight safety. The case highlights the regulatory requirements that can apply to international airlines operating under codeshare agreements with US carriers.
