Deutsche Lufthansa (Lufthansa) has been hit by a proposed fine of US$6.4 million by the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority after the agency accused it of operating approximately 900 flights into Philadelphia and San Diego without the proper approval. According to a press release by the FAA, Lufthansa were fully aware of the fact it lacked the appropriate authorization. “Lufthansa is fully cooperating with the FAA on this matter and will be addressing the regulatory issues involved with the agency,” the company said in an emailed statement, adding that there were no FAA allegations that safety or security was compromised on the flights.
The FAA made it clear that under its regulations, foreign carriers operating in the U.S. must create detailed operations specifications and follow any procedures contained within them. Lufthansa’s operations specifications didn’t permit it to fly to San Diego and Philadelphia at the time of the violations. Lufthansa has 30 days in which to appeal the fine and it is not unusual for carriers to negotiate lower fines once the FAA has filed a complaint.
