Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
KLM and Air France fined over flights above Iraq
The US fined KLM $320,000 for hundreds of flights over Iraq between January 2022 and May 2025.
The planes flew below 32,000 feet, an altitude restriction that applied under agreements between KLM and its US partner, Delta Air Lines.
These codeshare agreements let airlines share flights and flight numbers, and can also set limits on which airspace they may use.
US aviation safety rules restrict flights in areas where security may be at risk, including places affected by military conflict.
Air France was also fined for 30 flights over the restricted area, bringing the settlement with their parent group to $425,000.
The airlines must pay $265,000 within 60 days; the remaining amount is due only if they fly through the prohibited airspace again within a year.
KLM says the airlines have strengthened measures to follow airspace restrictions in future.
The US Department of Transportation fined KLM $320,000 for flights over Iraq that violated restrictions.
The flights took place between January 2022 and May 2025, with aircraft flying below 32,000 feet over Iraqi territory.
Air France was also fined after flying over the restricted area 30 times.
The total penalty for the two airlines is $425,000, with $265,000 due within 60 days.
KLM said Air France and KLM had taken steps to strengthen future compliance with airspace restrictions.
- Who
- KLM and Air France were fined by the US Department of Transportation.
- What
- They were penalized for flights over restricted Iraqi airspace.
- When
- The flights took place between January 2022 and May 2025. The fines were reported on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Above Iraqi territory.
- Why
- The flights violated airspace restrictions, including rules in KLM’s agreement with Delta Air Lines.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
KLM flights flew below 32,000 feet over Iraqi territory, contrary to the restrictions.
The US Department of Transportation’s fines were reported.
- KLM fine
- $320,000
- Air France flights
- 30 flights over the restricted area
- Combined penalty
- $425,000
- Initial payment
- $265,000 due within 60 days
- Restricted altitude
- Below 32,000 feet above Iraqi territory
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