Emirates Airlines has reached a resolution with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) after being fined $1.5 million for operating flights in restricted Iraqi airspace carrying JetBlue Airways’ designator code. The incidents involved 122 flights conducted between December 2021 and August 2022, Emirates.
According to an Emirates spokesperson, the airline has “reached a settlement with the US DOT, relating to the alleged breach of Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR) that restricted airlines carrying a US air-carrier code from operating below 32,000 feet while over Iraqi airspace.” The fine was imposed by DOT for violating FAA regulations prohibiting flights in certain designated airspace areas.
Emirates clarified that the flights in question were intended to operate at or above 32,000 feet but were instructed by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to descend into the prohibited airspace. The airline emphasized that the decision to follow ATC instructions was made in accordance with international aviation safety regulations, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.
This settlement also addresses a prior consent order from October 2020, where Emirates was penalized for similar violations. Under the 2020 order, Emirates was fined $200,000 with an additional $200,000 penalty if violations occurred within a year.
Emirates stated that it no longer operates flights with US carrier codes over Iraqi airspace. JetBlue, whose codeshare agreement with Emirates concluded in 2022, declined to provide comment on the matter.
The fine and settlement underscore the strict regulatory oversight governing international flights and the complexities airlines face in adhering to airspace restrictions while ensuring operational efficiency and passenger safety.
