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Congress Approves $105 Billion FAA Bill Amid Air Traffic Safety Concerns

The bipartisan legislation aims to address air traffic controller shortages and enhance consumer protections, while leaving some key issues unresolved.

A Federal Aviation Administration sign hangs in the tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, March 16, 2017. Congressional negotiators have agreed on a $105 billion bill designed to improve the safety of air travel after a series of close calls between planes at the nation’s airports. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
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Passengers wait to board an American Airlines flight at LaGuardia Airport in New York City in April.
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Overview

  • The FAA reauthorization bill allocates over $105 billion to address a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers and improve runway safety.
  • Legislation mandates new technology to prevent runway collisions but does not increase the pilot retirement age, maintaining it at 65.
  • Consumer benefits include prohibitions on extra charges for families to sit together and tripled fines for violating consumer laws, though some proposed protections were omitted.
  • The bill requires airlines to offer more substantial refunds and compensation for significant delays and cancellations.
  • Despite demands, the legislation does not mandate minimum airline seat sizes, leaving room for further study.