The airline was rapped for operating flights carrying Delta Air Lines’ code (DL) in regions in which a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight prohibition was in effect.

By carrying the DL code on flights in airspace in which the FAA prohibits US carriers from flying, Virgin Atlantic operated in violation of federal law. 

At the time of the investigation, the UK’s Department for Transport permitted overflight of Iraqi airspace at high altitudes. However, the US authorities did not permit US carriers, or non-US carriers operating with the code of a US carrier, to fly over Iraq at any altitude. 

In an update posted on its website, USDOT said: "An investigation by the department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection revealed that between 16 September 2020 and 16 September 2021, Virgin Atlantic operated a significant number of flights carrying the DL code over restricted airspace in Iraq."

Since the investigation, Virgin Atlantic has altered its codeshare flight routes to correct the issue.

"We have thoroughly reviewed and strengthened our systems and processes," a spokesperson for the carrier added.

"The safety and security of our aircraft, customers and crew was never compromised at any point and remains our highest priority."