The US Fines Emirates $1.8 Million For Flying Below 32,000 Feet Over Iraq

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 15, 2024 15:30 PMNews
Share:
white emirates plane
white emirates plane. Source: unsplash

Middle East carrier Emirates has been fined $1.8 million by US authorities for violating airspace regulations over Iraq. The violations occurred during a period when Emirates had an active codeshare partnership with JetBlue. The issue pertains to flights between Dubai and the US from December 2021 to August 2022.

Emirates Fined $1.8 Million

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) fined Emirates for not adhering to the FAA's requirement that prohibits US airlines and their codeshare partners from flying below 32,000 feet over Iraqi airspace. This regulation is in place for safety reasons due to the volatile nature of the region.

The violations involved numerous flights over Iraq during the specified period, with Emirates operating under a codeshare agreement with JetBlue. Despite Emirates not being a US carrier, the fine applies because the partnership allowed JetBlue to sell seats on Emirates flights.

Background and FAA Regulations

The FAA mandates that airlines avoid flying below 32,000 feet over Iraq to mitigate potential risks associated with the region’s airspace. Emirates, found in breach of this rule, reportedly planned their flights to stay above this altitude but were instructed to descend by air traffic control (ATC) on several occasions.

Emirates' Response

Emirates acknowledged the settlement with the DOT and reiterated its commitment to passenger and employee safety. The airline highlighted that their pilots followed ATC instructions, which sometimes required flying below 32,000 feet for safety reasons.

An Emirates spokesperson commented:

"Emirates has reached a settlement with the US Department of Transport (DOT), relating to the alleged breach of Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR) that restricted airlines carrying a US air-carrier code from operating below FL320 while over Iraqi airspace. These incidents involved 122 flights operated by Emirates, while carrying a JetBlue marketing code, between December 2021 and August 2022.

Our pilots duly followed ATC instructions, a decision which is fully aligned with international aviation regulations for safety reasons. Emirates’ priority is always the safety of our passengers and employees.

Emirates wishes to state that we had planned to operate these 122 flights in question at or above FL320. However, while these flights were operating, Air Traffic Control (ATC) did not give clearance to ascend to FL320, or had categorically instructed these flights to operate below FL320."

JetBlue to United Partnership

Emirates' codeshare partnership with JetBlue began in 2012, providing mutual benefits such as shared perks and reward redemptions. However, in 2022, Emirates ended this partnership and soon after, announced a new collaboration with United Airlines.

The Emirates-United partnership, launched in 2023, aims to offer passengers an expanded network of destinations across the US. Emirates customers can now make seamless connections through major US hubs like Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco.

Airspace Restrictions and Geopolitical Tensions

The fine against Emirates underscores the ongoing complexities of airspace regulations in geopolitically sensitive regions. With heightened global tensions, such restrictions are expected to persist. Airlines frequently have to adjust their routes to avoid restricted airspace, as seen with recent reroutings over Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Iraq, and the avoidance of Russian airspace due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Emirates, already under scrutiny, will likely ensure strict compliance with airspace regulations moving forward to avoid further penalties.

In Conclusion

The $1.8 million fine imposed on Emirates for violating airspace rules over Iraq highlights the importance of adhering to FAA regulations, even for non-US carriers operating under codeshare agreements. As geopolitical tensions continue to influence airspace restrictions, airlines must remain vigilant to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Qatar Airways aircraft preparing to land

Qatar Airways Brings Forward Flight Departure Times from June 22

Jun 21, 2025 23:49 PM
Rail workers conducting track and signal maintenance at a train station during daylight hours

Two-Week Rail Closure to Disrupt Key Surrey Route to Gatwick This September

Jun 21, 2025 21:23 PM

Toronto to Berlin Now Connected by Nonstop Flights Opening Easier Travel Options

Jun 21, 2025 19:36 PM

Glasgow Adds Compulsory Fee to All Overnight Stays from 2027

Jun 21, 2025 17:47 PM
Passenger aircraft being prepared for early morning departure at airport gate

Seasonal Flight from Bremen to Varna Adds New Link to Bulgaria’s Coast

Jun 21, 2025 09:21 AM
Construction worker in safety gear at railway site

Long-Term Closure of Deighton Station to Disrupt Travel Until 2027

Jun 21, 2025 07:34 AM
Airplane flying through a clear blue sky

Summer Flights to Tokyo Now Cheaper from Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul

Jun 20, 2025 23:44 PM
Man checking phone at train station during sunset

EMR Agrees New Ticket Sharing Rules with Northern and TPE

Jun 20, 2025 21:27 PM
Wizz Air airplane ascending into the sky

Gatwick Expands Summer Routes to Eight New Cities Across Europe and Africa

Jun 20, 2025 19:31 PM

Ty Glas Station Closure to Impact Travel and Local Access for Months

Jun 20, 2025 18:46 PM

Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight to Barcelona Enhancing Travel Options

Jun 20, 2025 17:28 PM
Railway worker operating near freight car during maintenance

Gloucestershire Rail Works in July to Cause Delays and Route Changes for Travelers

Jun 20, 2025 05:32 AM
AirAsia aircraft in flight against a blue sky

AirAsia Celebrates Global Ranking with Network-Wide Flight Promotions

Jun 19, 2025 23:44 PM
Railway worker carrying out track maintenance with hand tools

Track Closure Alert: Subway Construction to Halt Trains in Norfolk

Jun 19, 2025 21:23 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Emirates Partners with Uber to Simplify Airport Transfers

Jun 19, 2025 19:38 PM

Coronado’s Historic Hotel Returns After Major Restoration

Jun 19, 2025 17:45 PM

Air Travel Alert: Strike Set to Disrupt Northern Italy Airports on June 20

Jun 19, 2025 04:22 AM
Person photographing the sunset over a calm lake in Finland during summer

Finland’s Midnight Sun Transforms Summer Travel Experiences

Jun 19, 2025 02:37 AM
Wizz Air aircraft taking off from a runway with trees in the background

Wizz Air Reopens Suceava Base Opening New Direct Flights for Travelers

Jun 18, 2025 23:47 PM
Modern hotel room with two twin beds and warm lighting

New Opening in Covent Garden Blends London Setting with New York Flavour

Jun 18, 2025 21:24 PM
Volcanic eruption sending thick ash clouds into the sky over a green mountainside

Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Flights to Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo

Jun 18, 2025 19:31 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with stylish lighting and cozy decor

Marriott to Broaden African Footprint with Dozens of New Hotels by 2027

Jun 18, 2025 17:49 PM

easyJet Expands UK Winter Flights with 22 New Direct European Routes

Jun 18, 2025 15:26 PM

Public Transport Updated for Blenheim Concertgoers

Jun 18, 2025 13:53 PM
Emirates aircraft flying against a blue sky

Emirates Launches A350 Flights to Lyon as Part of Fleet Shift in France

Jun 17, 2025 23:43 PM
Modern hotel room with large windows and city view

New Wyndham Days Inn Opens in Shantou, Increasing Hotel Availability Beyond China’s Largest Cities

Jun 17, 2025 21:29 PM