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The US Department Of Transportation (USDOT) has imposed heavy fines on Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways after both carriers were found to have violated airspace restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to a statement released by the agency.
Ethiopian Airlines has been fined $425,000, while Etihad Airways faces a $400,000 penalty. These fines follow a series of violations uncovered during a detailed investigation by the DOT 's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP).
The department said that both airlines operated flights with US carrier designator codes in airspace that was only available to US operators, a violation that took place between 2020 and 2023.
For instance, Ethiopian Airlines used the United Airlines designator code to fly numerous times between Ethiopia and Djibouti even though the FAA forbade US airlines from operating in this area.
Even after Ethiopian Airlines was warned in writing by the OACP in 2022 about its operations in restricted airspace, the problem remained.
Similarly, Etihad Airways used the JetBlue Airways designator code between August 2022 and September 2022 for flights between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, also in airspace deemed off-limits by the FAA.
The violations continued despite repeated notifications from OACP in 2022 and 2023, leading to the imposition of the fine.
Both airlines were found to have operated flights without the necessary DOT authorization, violating the conditions of their operating licenses.
The USDOT's OACP investigation into Ethiopian Airlines revealed that the carrier continued its operations in restricted airspace for a significant period between February 2020 and December 2022.
These violations were considered serious as they were not only unauthorized but also carried the potential for significant safety and regulatory risks, especially given the security concerns tied to the prohibited zones.
Etihad's violations were similarly concerning, with the airline operating multiple flights with JetBlue's code between August 2022 and April 2023.
While Etihad Airways received multiple notifications from the USDOT regarding its use of restricted airspace, the airline continued its flights in violation of FAA restrictions.
The penalties demonstrate the Department of Transportation's dedication to upholding airspace regulations and making sure international carriers meet the same requirements that apply to US operators.
With a clear warning that any future repeat of such activity will result in additional legal action and potential financial penalties, the airlines have been ordered to stop and desist from such offenses.
The DOT's action against Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines is a component of a larger initiative to target international airlines that operate flights in restricted airspace without the required permits. Similar sanctions have been imposed on other foreign airlines in recent months.
Air Canada was fined $250,000 by the USDOT in September 2024 for breaking Iraqi airspace regulations while flying in codeshare with United Airlines.
Despite existing safety regulations designed to protect aircraft from potential conflict risks in the region, the Canadian airline conducted many flights into forbidden airspace between the United Arab Emirates and Canada.
Similarly, Emirates faced a $1.5 million civil penalty earlier this year for operating flights through restricted Baghdad airspace while carrying a JetBlue code.
The consent order published in June details significant regulatory violations between December 2021 and August 2022.
The airline initially planned to avoid the restricted zone but was forced to descend into it due to air traffic control instructions.
Despite these circumstances, the FAA’s restrictions remained in place, and Emirates was held accountable for its failure to comply.
Due to increased critical security concerns, the FAA has long barred US airlines from flying in certain regions, such as conflict zones and those with erratic air traffic control systems.
All foreign carriers are reminded of the significance of respecting operating borders by the Department of Transportation's strict enforcement of these regulations, especially when flying over areas with delicate geopolitical situations.
