Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways Fined for Violating FAA Regulations
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently imposed fines on Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways for operating flights carrying United Airlines’ and JetBlue Airways’ designator codes in prohibited airspace designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for U.S. operators. Ethiopian Airlines was fined $425,000, while Etihad Airways faced a $400,000 penalty for their violations. The airlines were instructed to refrain from similar violations in the future.
Investigation Reveals Violations in Prohibited Airspace
An investigation conducted by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) discovered that Ethiopian Airlines had been operating flights with the United Airlines code between Ethiopia and Djibouti in airspace banned by the FAA for U.S. operators from February 2020 to December 2022. Despite receiving a warning from OACP, Ethiopian Airlines continued to conduct these flights, breaching their operating authority and disregarding the proper DOT regulations.
Similarly, Etihad Airways was found to have operated multiple flights with the JetBlue Airways code between the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. in restricted FAA airspace between August and September 2022. Despite being notified by OACP about these violations, Etihad Airways persisted in operating additional prohibited flights between January and April 2023. This led to them violating their operating authority and disregarding the necessary DOT regulations.
Consequences and Actions Taken
As a result of these violations, Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways were held accountable for their actions. The consent orders detailing the fines and penalties can be accessed on the regulations.gov website under docket number DOT-OST-2024-0001. For more information on airline passenger rights, DOT regulations, and guidelines, visit the Department’s aviation consumer website at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.
Conclusion
The fines imposed on Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to aviation regulations and ensuring the safety and security of air travel. By violating FAA regulations, these airlines not only jeopardized passenger safety but also undermined the integrity of the aviation industry. Moving forward, it is crucial for all airlines to comply with regulatory requirements to maintain a safe and efficient air transport sector.