Image Credit: dimaberkut / depositphotos.com
Key Points:
- Emirates fined $1.5 million for operating in FAA-restricted airspace.
- Violation occurred in the “Baghdad Flight Information Region” due to security concerns.
- Incident involved flights carrying JetBlue Airways code between December 2021 and August 2022.
- Emirates adhered to settlement terms without admitting wrongdoing.
Emirates Airline is facing a $1.5 million fine for reportedly flying into regions prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) released a consent order on June 13 revealing that Emirates operated numerous flights in the “Baghdad Flight Information Region” – a zone restricted by the FAA due to security worries.
The FAA’s prohibitions are strict, disallowing US airlines from entering this specific airspace. Moreover, the restriction extends to flights conducted as part of codeshare agreements with US carriers.
The issue arose between December 2021 and August 2022, when several Emirates flights carrying the JetBlue Airways code flew through the restricted Baghdad airspace.
According to Emirates, while the FAA restriction only applies to airspace below 32,000 feet, unexpected descend orders from air traffic controllers often forced their planes into the prohibited zones.
Emirates had initially planned these flights to traverse above the restricted area, but operational circumstances led to breaches of the restriction.
In response to these allegations, Emirates chose to settle without admitting fault. The airline agreed to pay the $1.5 million penalty.
Additionally, Emirates has accepted the terms to pay another $300,000 if similar violations occur again. This proactive measure demonstrates Emirates’ commitment to resolving the issue and preventing future incidents.
Does anyone know if Emirates has had similar issues in the past? This fine feels excessive without knowing the full story.