The US DOT has recently issued substantial fines to Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways for violating FAA regulations. The fines come as a result of both airlines operating flights under U.S. airline codes in restricted areas. Ethiopian Airlines faces a $425,000 penalty, while Etihad Airways was fined $400,000. These penalties serve as a reminder of the strict FAA flight prohibitions in U.S. jurisdictions.
According to the US DOT, Ethiopian Airlines used United Airlines’ code for flights between Ethiopia and Djibouti from February 2020 to December 2022. This included a flight conducted even after receiving a warning from the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP). Meanwhile, Etihad Airways violated FAA restrictions by operating flights under JetBlue Airways’ code between the UAE and the US. These violations occurred in two separate timeframes: August 2022 to September 2022 and January 2023 to April 2023.
The DOT’s enforcement actions underscore the importance of global carriers complying with FAA regulations, especially regarding U.S. airspace. The department has made it clear that these violations will not be tolerated, as they pose significant risks to aviation safety and regulatory integrity. By penalizing both airlines, the US DOT sends a strong message about the need for all international carriers to respect the restrictions set for U.S. airspace.
Both Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways must now ensure they adhere to FAA guidelines to avoid future violations. The recent fines serve as a cautionary tale for other carriers operating within U.S. territories, urging them to comply with all applicable flight regulations.
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