Fines Air France & KLM For Flying Delta Codeshares Too Low Over Iraqi Conflict Zone

Air France and KLM have been fined by the U.S. Department of Transportation after investigations found they operated Delta Air Lines codeshare flights below 32,000 feet over Baghdad’s conflict zone. The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits U.S. operators from flying in foreign-managed airspace, and foreign airlines using U.S. airline codes—such as Delta codeshares—must follow the same restriction. Air France faces a $105,000 fine, while KLM is expected to pay $320,000. The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection said both carriers were negligent and used Delta designator codes on flights in FAA-restricted airspace between January 2022 and May 2025, with Air France flying more than 30 such flights and KLM over 100.