US Fines Air France, KLM $425,000 Over Iraq Flights

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on October 23, 2026, fines of $105,000 on Air France and $320,000 on KLM, totaling $425,000, for more than 130 flights that carried Delta Air Lines codes and operated below 32,000 feet in the Baghdad Flight Information Region. Air France flew more than 30 of the services and KLM more than 100 during an overall span from January 2022 to May 2025, with Air France also reported for April 2022 to November 2025. The FAA rule under 14 CFR 91.1605 and SFAR 77 reaches foreign airlines when a U.S. carrier code is used. Of the total, $265,000 is due within 60 days and $160,000 is suspended unless further violations occur within a year. Both carriers were ordered to cease and desist. The altitude restriction runs until October 26, 2027. Contested: Air France and KLM dispute responsibility for the altitude deviations, saying air traffic controllers instructed crews to descend or prevented them from climbing. DOT imposed the penalties anyway. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said that under the Trump Administration, if you fly carrying a U.S. code, following safety rules is not optional, that the department will hold airlines accountable for failing to comply, and that passenger safety comes first with no exceptions.