Virgin Atlantic fined for violating Iraqi airspace

Virgin Atlantic has been fined more than $1m (£870,000) by US authorities for flying in Iraqi airspace.

The US Department of Transportation imposed the penalty after it found a “significant number” of the airline’s flights crossed restricted airspace in Iraq between September 2020 and September 2021.

Virgin Atlantic, which was subject to the restrictions of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the time due to a partnership with Delta Air Lines, was banned from flying at any altitude in Iraqi airspace because of “heightened militia activities and increased tensions in Iraq”, reported ch-aviation.

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The airline said the flights in question were accidental and caused by disruptions and staff shortages brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement, it said it immediately rerouted flights after learning of the violations.

“We have thoroughly reviewed and strengthened our systems and processes,” a spokesperson told ch-aviation. “The safety and security of our aircraft, customers and crew was never compromised at any point and remains our highest priority.”

To avoid litigation, and without admitting or denying the violations, Virgin Atlantic consented to the order to cease and desist from future violations of the rule and to the fine. Half of the fee – $525,000 (£435,350) – will be waived if Virgin Atlantic avoids similar transgressions for one year, said AP.

To combat any future incursions, Virgin Atlantic said it had invested in Sentinel by Osprey, an automated tool that “dynamically alerts airlines at the flight planning stage or operational stage, of any regulatory restrictions impacting their, or their codeshare partners’ flights”, said Reuters.