Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
US fines Air France and KLM $425,000 over Iraq airspace flights
The US fined Air France and KLM $425,000 over flights through restricted airspace above Iraq.
Air France was fined $105,000 for more than 30 flights, and KLM $320,000 for more than 100, between 2022 and 2025.
The flights used the code of US airline Delta, under a code-sharing deal that lets one airline sell seats on another airline’s flight.
US rules bar American carriers from flying in foreign airspace where conflict or heightened tensions pose a safety risk, and those rules also apply to foreign airlines using a US carrier’s code.
The airlines say air traffic controllers directed the route changes, while US officials say the restrictions must be followed.
The airlines say they worked with the US department and strengthened their procedures; Air France-KLM also says it no longer flies over Iraq.
Both airlines were ordered to prevent similar violations, and they have agreed to the settlement.
The US Department of Transportation fined Air France $105,000 and KLM $320,000 over flights in Iraqi airspace.
The flights were operated under the code of US carrier Delta Air Lines, making US restrictions applicable to the airlines.
The department cited more than 30 Air France flights and more than 100 KLM flights between 2022 and 2025.
Air France-KLM said air traffic controllers had requested the route deviations and said it had strengthened compliance measures.
The airlines were ordered to prevent similar violations, and the reports say they agreed to a settlement.
- Who
- The US Department of Transportation fined Air France and KLM.
- What
- It imposed fines totaling $425,000 over flights in Iraqi airspace under Delta’s code.
- When
- The flights took place between 2022 and 2025. The fines were reported on October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Iraqi airspace, including the region around Baghdad.
- Why
- The US department said the flights breached restrictions on US-coded flights in Iraqi airspace. The airlines said air traffic controllers had requested route deviations.
US Department of Transportation
Air France and KLM
Aspect
US Department of Transportation
US restrictions apply to foreign airlines operating flights under a US carrier’s code, and the flights violated those rules.
Air France and KLM
The airlines said local air traffic controllers ordered them to alter their routes or refused permission to climb.
Aspect
US Department of Transportation
The department said it would hold airlines accountable and required measures to prevent repeat violations.
Air France and KLM
The airlines said they took regulatory obligations seriously and had strengthened measures to comply with airspace restrictions.
KLM flights cited in the reports began operating over Iraq under Delta’s code.
The period cited for Air France flights began.
The cited period for KLM flights ended.
The cited period for Air France flights ended.
Reports said the US Department of Transportation had imposed fines totaling $425,000 and ordered measures to prevent similar violations.
- Total fine
- $425,000
- Air France fine
- $105,000
- KLM fine
- $320,000
- Air France flights
- More than 30
- KLM flights
- More than 100
- Codeshare carrier
- Delta Air Lines
3 sources
Survols de l’Irak : Washington sanctionne Air France et KLM à hauteur de 425 000 dollars
La compagnie Air France-KLM sanctionnée par l'administration américaine pour avoir survolé des espaces aériens interdits au-dessus de l'Irak
KLM condamnée à une amende de 286 000 € pour avoir survolé l’Irak trop bas
What people are saying
If you operate a flight using a US code, compliance with our safety rules is not optional.
We have worked with the US Department of Transportation throughout this process and have taken the necessary steps to strengthen compliance with airspace restrictions in the future.