National News

Agency awards $615 million to airports in 42 U.S. states and two territories.

Section 105 would restrict the use of ADS-B data to identify aircraft for revenue collection without an owner or operator’s consent.

Regional facilities and mid-sized gateways have quietly launched construction programs that rival the scale and ambition traditionally associated with the nation's largest hubs.

2026 Airport Cooperative Research Program report documents the large array of uses airports have found for this important aviation technology.

A federal judge says Mesa’s Falcon Field can collect landing fees from pilots while litigation is ongoing.

Using ADS-B data for revenue collection is no different from usual tools for stopping tax evasion.

The issue centers on House ALERT Act language included alongside broader ADS-B safety proposals.

Airports should be able to identify aircraft and charge them landing fees, an important source of revenue.

Airport Infrastructure Grants will support runway rehabilitation, apron and taxiway improvements, terminal upgrades, and other airfield investments.

Agency delivered 133 grants to airports in 45 states through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – Airport Terminal Program to invest in family-friendly airport projects.

The transportation secretary said a dedicated funding stream could help modernize the nation’s air traffic control system.

The Essential Air Service helps maintain flights to rural communities that airlines might otherwise abandon.

Section 105 — currently included in the ALERT Act — is an anti-airport provision. This provision risks undermining aviation safety investigations and disrupting the funding framework that supports airport operations and critical safety infrastructure nationwide.

How flow, flexibility, and experience design enable airports to absorb mega-event surges.

Non-aeronautical revenue remains 9% below pre-pandemic levels. Strategic commercial partnerships can help close the gap.

Despite strong opposition from airports, the measure includes provisions from the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) that would prohibit airports from using ADS-B to assess takeoff or landing fees or impose any charge on aircraft operators or to institute investigations.

Some lobby groups are gearing up to fight against the subsidy cuts, which could prompt airlines to stop flying to some small communities.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has made $12 million available in this year’s round of funding for the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). Communities and/or consortia of communities interested in obtaining a federal competitive grant under the program to address air service and airfare issues in their communities are invited to apply. Applications are due by May 4.

“If pilots won’t pay what they owe, no technology ban will save the airports they depend on.“

Special Interests' Attack on Airport Funding Independence - allowing aircraft operators to "jump the turnstile" and avoid airport use fees