Starting from Wednesday, all Middle East airlines flying to the US face fines of up to $27,500 per violation if they fail to comply with accessibility rules set by the US government for people with special needs, according to Dayton Lehman Jr, principal deputy assistant general counsel of the US Department of Transport, Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings. An example of one requirement is that 50% of all aircraft seats must have a movable armrest, reported Gulf News. US rules that would conflict with an airline's home country regulations would be waived, he noted.