Air France and KLM fined $425,000 for Iraqi airspace violations

The U.S. Department of Transportation has fined Air France and KLM a combined $425,000 for violating safety regulations in Iraqi airspace. The penalties stem from more than 130 flights operated under Delta Air Lines codeshare agreements that flew below the mandatory 32,000-foot altitude in the Baghdad Flight Information Region.

Between 2022 and 2025, KLM operated over 100 such flights, while Air France conducted more than 30. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had implemented these altitude restrictions to protect civil aircraft from risks associated with military activity and weapons held by militias in the region.

The airlines have stated that their pilots were following direct instructions from air traffic controllers to descend or were prevented from climbing due to traffic congestion. However, U.S. officials argued that because the violations occurred repeatedly over several years, the airlines should have rerouted flights or removed the Delta codes to avoid the conflict.

Of the total fine, $265,000 must be paid within 60 days. The remaining $160,000 is suspended on the condition that neither airline commits further violations within the next year.