U.S. Department of Transport Fines Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways for Airspace Violations

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed substantial fines on Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways for violating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace prohibitions.

According to a statement issued by the DOT, Ethiopian Airlines was fined $425,000, while Etihad Airways faced a $400,000 penalty. Both airlines have been ordered to cease and desist from similar violations in the future.

An investigation conducted by the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) revealed that between February 2020 and December 2022, Ethiopian Airlines operated multiple flights in FAA-prohibited airspace while carrying United Airlines’ designator code.

These flights occurred between Ethiopia and Djibouti, contravening FAA restrictions applicable to U.S. operators.

Notably, one of these prohibited flights took place even after OACP issued an investigation letter to Ethiopian Airlines concerning the matter.

The investigation concluded that Ethiopian Airlines breached the conditions of its operating authority and engaged in air transportation without the necessary DOT approval.

Similarly, a separate OACP investigation found that Etihad Airways violated FAA airspace prohibitions between August 2022 and April 2023.

Between August and September 2022, Etihad Airways operated numerous flights carrying JetBlue Airways’ designator code between the United Arab Emirates and the United States in restricted airspace.

Despite notifications from OACP in September and November 2022 highlighting the issue, Etihad Airways continued to operate additional flights in prohibited airspace between January and April 2023.

This conduct was deemed a breach of the airline’s operating authority, resulting in the DOT-imposed fine.

Both airlines have been warned against future violations and will face stricter penalties if such conduct persists.