US Fines Ethiopian Airlines $400,000 Over Restricted Airspace Violations

 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has fined Ethiopian Airlines $425,000 for operating flights using US carrier designator codes in restricted airspace, a violation of US aviation rules.

The FAA said the Addis Ababa-based airline used United Airlines’ designator code for flights between Ethiopia and Djibouti from 2020 to 2023, despite restrictions barring US carriers from flying in the region.
The restrictions are part of US measures to safeguard carriers from terrorist threats and unsafe airspace conditions.

In 2022, the FAA’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) issued a written warning to Ethiopian Airlines regarding these operations. However, the airline continued to operate in the restricted airspace without the required authorisation from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

The FAA noted that the violations breached Ethiopian Airlines’ operating licenses and warranted the penalty. The fine follows an extensive investigation by the OACP, which uncovered repeated non-compliance with US aviation regulations.

“The use of US carrier designator codes in restricted airspace is a serious breach of safety protocols designed to protect passengers and operators,” the FAA said in a statement.

Washington prohibits US carriers from flying in certain areas, including conflict zones and regions with unreliable air traffic control systems.
The rules aim to mitigate risks to aviation safety posed by terrorist activities and geopolitical instability.

Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s largest carriers, has not commented on the penalty. The airline operates an extensive network connecting Africa to global markets and has codeshare agreements with several international airlines, including US-based carriers.
ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org