KLM fined $320,000 by US for flights over Iraq

KLM has been fined 320,000 dollars by the United States aviation authorities for operating flights through prohibited Iraqi airspace. Between January 2022 and May 2025, the airline conducted over one hundred flights using codeshare agreements with Delta Air Lines, violating safety regulations set by the FAA. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that passenger safety remains the primary priority and stated that the government would hold any airline accountable for failing to comply with established rules.

In addition to the penalty imposed on KLM, its sister company Air France was also sanctioned for similar violations, having flown approximately thirty times over Iraq using Delta flight codes. The combined fines for both carriers total 425,000 dollars. This enforcement action highlights the strict stance of U.S. aviation regulators against unauthorized transit through restricted regions to ensure the protection of all passengers and crew members.