Assesses Air France, KLM $425,000 Over Iraq Flights | EconoTimes

The U.S. Department of Transportation assessed a combined $425,000 in civil penalties against Air France and KLM for flights carrying Delta Air Lines’ code that operated below a federal altitude limit in restricted Iraqi airspace. Orders dated Oct. 23 set penalties of $105,000 for Société Air France and $320,000 for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Air France must pay $65,000 and KLM $200,000 within 60 days to the U.S. Treasury, with remaining balances of $40,000 and $120,000 due only if the airlines violate payment or cease-and-desist terms within one year. The DOT said enforcement focused on recurrent decisions to descend rather than controller instructions during flight.