World · Malaysia Bureau
US regulators fine Air France, KLM for Iraqi airspace violations
The United States has imposed penalties on Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for operating flights through restricted Iraqi airspace while using codeshare agreements with Delta Air Lines. Foreign carriers operating under US airline codes must adhere to American aviation restrictions, regulators determined.
LSN Malaysia ·
US aviation authorities have fined Air France and KLM for flights that traversed prohibited Iraqi airspace, ruling that foreign airlines operating under codeshare agreements with American carriers must comply with US flight restrictions.
Both European carriers operate flights under Delta Air Lines codeshare designations, which brings them under the purview of US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and sanctions policy. The flights in question operated through airspace that remains restricted under longstanding US government directives related to Iraq.
The enforcement action underscores the broad reach of US aviation regulations through codesharing arrangements, which allow airlines to sell seats on flights operated by partner carriers under their own flight codes. Such partnerships are common in international aviation and connect carriers across continents to offer expanded route networks to passengers.
Airlines operating codeshare flights must navigate a complex regulatory environment, ensuring compliance not only with their home country's aviation authorities but also with restrictions imposed by countries whose airspace restrictions are linked to their codeshare partners' regulatory frameworks.
The penalties reflect ongoing US government efforts to enforce compliance with aviation restrictions in sensitive regions, particularly Iraq, where airspace management remains subject to strict international oversight and security considerations.