America fined Virgin Atlantic $1.05 million for flying over Iraqi airspace

The US Department of Transportation announced today that it imposed a $1.05 million fine on Virgin Atlantic for flying its aircraft into Iraqi airspace.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued instructions prohibiting US airlines from flying in Iraqi airspace without prior approval. An investigation found that a “large number” of Virgin Atlantic aircraft flew between September 2020 and September 2021, adding that “the airline has received instructions to stop such violations in the future.”

And the Department of Transportation in the United States has jurisdiction over this matter because the flights were carrying the symbol of the American Delta Air Lines company.