WASHINGTON- The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined Air Canada (AC) $250,000 for violating restricted Iraqi airspace regulations.
Between October 2022 and January 2023, Air Canada operated multiple flights through prohibited areas under a codeshare agreement with United Airlines (UA).
Air Canada Fined by USA
These flights, connecting the United Arab Emirates and Canada, breached Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrictions prohibiting US operators from using certain Iraqi airspace sectors. The airline continued these operations even after receiving an investigation letter from the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP).
The DOT stated that Air Canada’s actions violated its operational authority and constituted unauthorized air transportation. Since October 2020, the FAA has banned US carriers from flying below specific altitudes in Iraqi airspace due to regional security concerns.
Air Canada maintains it has consistently followed US policies regarding flights over conflict zones. The airline claims the violations were unintentional, limited in number, and brief. They attributed the incidents to factors including aircraft loads, unexpected weather, and air traffic control delays while operating Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
Under the DOT ruling, Air Canada must pay $125,000 within 60 days, with the remaining half suspended conditionally. The airline must avoid further violations for one year to prevent payment of the suspended portion.
As of January 13, 2023, Air Canada has terminated its codeshare agreement with United Airlines for the Dubai (DXB) to Toronto (YYZ) route.
Similar Fines
Similarly, Emirates Airlines (EK) faced a $1.5 million fine for allegedly violating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace restrictions. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a consent order on June 13, detailing the airline’s operations through prohibited areas.
Between December 2021 and August 2022, Emirates conducted numerous flights carrying JetBlue Airways’ (B6) code through the restricted Baghdad Flight Information Region. These flights connected the United Arab Emirates and the United States, breaching FAA-designated no-fly zones.
Well, IndiGo Airlines also faced a $5,832.60 fine from US Customs and Border Protection for delayed immigration fee payment. The penalty, announced on July 24, stems from the airline’s failure to timely remit the mandatory “immigration user fee” to US authorities.
This fee, classified as a “non-interlineable tax,” cannot be covered by other airlines on IndiGo’s behalf, highlighting the carrier’s sole responsibility for its timely payment.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
The post Air Canada Fined $250K by US Amid Iranian Airspace Violations appeared first on Aviation A2Z.