US Fines Emirates $1.5 Million for Operating in Prohibited Airspace; In a significant regulatory move, the United States
Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a $1.5 million fine on Emirates Airline for operating flights through
prohibited airspace. This penalty underscores the importance of strict compliance with international aviation regulations.
The violation occurred when Emirates flights entered airspace that had been restricted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
due to geopolitical tensions and safety concerns. The affected flights were operating between Dubai and the United States,
traversing regions deemed unsafe for commercial aviation.
The DOT’s decision to levy a substantial fine reflects its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety
and enforcing adherence to established airspace restrictions. This action serves as a stern reminder to all international carriers
of the critical need to follow regulatory guidelines to ensure passenger and crew safety.
On Thursday, the United States Transportation Department said it fined Emirates $1.5 million for operating flights carrying
JetBlue Airways (JBLU.O), opens new tab designator code in prohibited airspace.
The department said that between December 2021 and August 2022, Emirates operated a significant number of flights carrying
the JetBlue Airways code between the United Arab Emirates and the United States in airspace prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration to U.S. operators.
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An Overview
This conduct also violated a consent order issued in October 2020 fining Emirates for operating other flights in airspace under an FAA prohibition.
Emirates was ordered to pay $200,000 under 2020, opens new tab order and another $200,000 if it violated the order within a year.
The department said flights at issue had traversed the Baghdad Flight Information Region below certain altitudes, which the Federal Aviation Administration has prohibited all U.S. air carriers, all U.S. commercial operators and code shares from operating without special permission.
Emirates could face another $300,000 fine if it violates the rules again within a year.
The Emirates spokesperson said in the statement that the airline no longer operated flights with U.S. carrier codes over Iraqi airspace.
An Emirates spokesperson said in a statement that the airline had intended to operate the flights at or above the restricted level but that in flight, air traffic control did not give clearance to ascend or had instructed flights to operate below the level.
Emirates told USDOT it prioritizes the safety of passengers, employees, and other airspace users, adding the flights in question only operated below the allowed level “as a result of direct instructions from the relevant air traffic controllers” and in some cases to avoid a collision.
In Conclusion
Emirates has acknowledged the violation and stated that measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences. The airline emphasized its dedication to safety and compliance with all aviation regulations, aiming to uphold its reputation as a leading global carrier.
This incident highlights the complexities and challenges airlines face in navigating international air routes amid evolving geopolitical landscapes. It also reinforces the vital role of regulatory bodies in safeguarding the integrity of global aviation operations.
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