The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Dutch airline KLM nearly 286,000 euros ($320,000) for flying too low over Iraq. The penalty shows how U.S. regulators enforce flight rules on foreign airlines operating near conflict zones.
Flight path rules affect the safety and cost of routes millions of travelers use. This case shows regulators in one country can penalize airlines worldwide, which can shape ticket prices and route choices.
Watch whether KLM appeals the fine or changes its Iraq route altitudes.