DOT fines Lufthansa for operating flights using UAL codes in prohibited space

The U.S. Department of Transportation DOT fined Deutsche Lufthansa (DLAKY) $220,000 and Swiss International Air Lines AG $200,000 for operating flights carrying United Airlines’ (UAL) designator code in regions in which a Federal Aviation Administration FAA flight prohibition was in effect for U.S. operators. The airlines were ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. An investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection OACP revealed that between March 2022 and April 2024, Lufthansa operated multiple flights carrying the United Airlines code in airspace prohibited by the FAA to U.S. operators. By operating these flights in this manner, Lufthansa violated the conditions of its authority to operate and engaged in air transportation without the proper DOT authority. A separate OACP investigation revealed that between February 2022 and March 2024, Swiss operated multiple flights carrying the United Airlines code in airspace prohibited by the FAA to U.S. operators. By operating these flights in this manner, Swiss violated the conditions of its authority to operate and engaged in air transportation without the proper DOT authority.