Air Canada has faced a hefty $250,000 fine from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for operating flights through restricted Iraqi airspace. The DOT alleges that between late 2022 and January 2023, Air Canada conducted a significant number of flights between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada at low altitudes over Iraq. This airspace had been designated as off-limits for U.S. airlines by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to safety concerns. The DOT asserted its authority to issue the fine because these flights were marketed to passengers under a United Airlines code. Even after the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) notified Air Canada of the violation and initiated an investigation, several flights continued to operate in the restricted airspace. The DOT’s action stems from a 2020 directive prohibiting U.S. carriers from flying below a certain altitude over Iraqi airspace due to ongoing safety concerns. In response to the violation notice, Air Canada stated that it took immediate action to rectify the situation, emphasizing that the incidents were unplanned, brief, and limited in number. Notably, Air Canada terminated its codeshare agreement with United Airlines for the Dubai to Toronto route last year. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to international airspace regulations and prioritizing aviation safety.
