Emirates has reached a settlement with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) after operating flights carrying American low-cost airline JetBlue Airways’ designator code in prohibited Iraqi airspace. The incidents involved 122 flights operated by Emirates carrying a JetBlue marketing code between December 2021 and August 2022. The settlement relates to the alleged breach of Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFAR) that restricted airlines carrying US air-carrier codes from operating below 32,000 feet while over Iraqi airspace.
The US DOT fined Emirates $1.5 million for operating flights carrying JetBlue Airways’ designator code in prohibited airspace as specified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This conduct also violated a consent order issued in October 2020, penalizing Emirates for operating other flights in airspace under FAA prohibition. Emirates was initially ordered to pay $200,000 under the 2020 order and another $200,000 if it violated the order again within a year.
According to DOT, the flights at issue had traversed the Baghdad flight information region below certain altitudes, which is prohibited by the FAA. Emirates clarified that the 122 flights were intended to operate at or above 32,000 feet, but the pilots had to descend into the prohibited area due to orders from Air Traffic Control (ATC). The airline stated that their priority is always the safety of passengers and employees, and the pilots followed ATC instructions based on international aviation regulations for safety reasons.
Emirates no longer operates flights with US carrier codes over Iraqi airspace. JetBlue, whose code share with Emirates ended in 2022, declined to comment on the issue. The settlement with the US DOT signifies the resolution of the matter, where Emirates has agreed to the terms relating to the prohibited airspace violations. The airline’s spokesperson emphasized that safety is their top priority, and they will continue to adhere to international aviation regulations to ensure the well-being of passengers and employees.
In conclusion, Emirates’ settlement with the US DOT highlights the importance of complying with aviation regulations and prioritizing safety in air travel. The airline’s cooperation with authorities and commitment to addressing the prohibited airspace violations demonstrate their dedication to upholding industry standards. Moving forward, Emirates will continue to ensure the safety of its operations and passengers while operating in accordance with international aviation laws. The resolution of this issue marks a step towards maintaining transparency and accountability within the aviation industry to prevent such incidents in the future.
