US fines Air France, KLM over flights in prohibited Iraqi airspace

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Air France and KLM a total of $425,000 for repeatedly flying below the FAA's mandated minimum altitude of 32,000 feet over Iraqi airspace between 2022 and 2025. This enforcement emphasizes the ongoing challenges airlines face in balancing safety regulations with air traffic control directives in conflict zones, underscoring the need for clearer protocols to protect passenger flights.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced on October 23 that it is imposing fines totaling $425,000 on Air France and KLM for operating flights in Iraqi airspace below the minimum altitude specified to protect aircraft from potential ground threats. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has maintained a restriction for more than six years barring flights over Iraq at altitudes below 32,000 feet in response to ongoing conflict and militant activity in the region.

The violations occurred between early 2022 and 2025, with Air France operating over 30 flights and KLM more than 100 flights that carried the Delta Air Lines code through the prohibited airspace. Because KLM and Air France operate flights under Delta’s code, they are subject to FAA safety restrictions designed to mitigate risks associated with operating in conflict zones. USDOT outlined that airlines must pay $265,000 of the fines within 60 days, with the remaining $160,000 contingent on whether any further infractions occur within the following year.

Both Air France and KLM responded by affirming their commitment to comply with all regulatory requirements and emphasizing that they take the matter seriously. The airlines explained that their flight crews were directed by local air traffic controllers to descend below the mandated altitude or were denied clearance to ascend due to conflicting traffic in the airspace. They argued that these circumstances should qualify as "emergency situations," which they believe provide an exception to the FAA's altitude restrictions.

The FAA’s prohibition is intended to protect flights from surface-based threats amid heightened tensions and instability in the Iraqi airspace. The U.S. government has maintained such restrictions for foreign-manage airspace involving U.S.-coded flights to uphold safety standards and minimize risks posed to passenger aircraft. The USDOT’s enforcement action highlights the complex challenges faced by airlines operating in or near conflict zones, where adherence to international regulations must be balanced against real-time operational demands and air traffic control directives.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about safety and regulatory compliance in volatile regions, as well as the need for clear protocols and communication between airlines and air traffic authorities to ensure passenger security.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.