U.S. Department of Transportation fines KLM nearly €286,000 for flying too low over Iraq

KLM has been issued a fine of nearly 286,000 euros, or 320,000 U.S. dollars, by the U.S. Department of Transportation for flying too low over Iraq on over 100 times, NOS reports. KLM responded by maintaining that the incidents were emergency situations, while U.S. authorities argue that the airline had endangered passenger safety. KLM’s sister airline, Air France, also faces a fine.

The first portion of the fine of 200,000 dollars must be paid within 60 days. The remaining 120,000 dollars only needs to be paid if the airline commits further violations within a year.

Air France faces a fine of 105,000, of which 65,000 must also be paid within 60 days. The same waiver conditions as with KLM apply here.

“Under the Trump administration, compliance with our safety rules is not optional when operating under a U.S. code,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “We will not hesitate to hold accountable any airline that fails to adhere to the agency’s regulations. Passenger safety comes first, without exceptions.”

KLM and Air France operated through Iraqi airspace under a codeshare agreement with the American carrier Delta Air Lines. Through codeshare operations, KLM reportedly flew over the restricted area over 100 times, equating to an approximate penalty of 2,860 euros per flight. Neither KLM nor Air France is said to intend to contest the fine.

“Both airlines take their legal obligations seriously and remain committed to complying with all applicable aviation regulations,” KLM stated in a press release.

KLM asserts that neither passengers nor crew were placed in any danger during the flights, emphasizing that the cases were all emergencies. The airline has signed the settlement agreement in the case. It also said that it has implemented “appropriate measures” to strengthen future compliance with the airspace restrictions.

Operating over conflict zones carries serious risks. In 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine after being struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile. There were 298 victims, including 196 Dutch nationals. Their relatives had previously criticized KLM for flying over Iraq in January 2020.