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Congress Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Awaits Biden's Signature

The five-year, $105 billion legislation aims to bolster aviation safety, hire more air traffic controllers, and enhance passenger rights.

Travelers run to a waiting Metro train across from a terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, in November 2022.
A Southwest Airlines take off past the control tower at Burbank Hollywood Airport on September 25, 2023 in Burbank, California.
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Overview

  • The bill passed the House 387-26 and the Senate 88-4, ending a series of short-term extensions.
  • Controversial provisions include adding long-haul flights at Reagan National Airport, sparking regional debate.
  • The legislation mandates 25-hour cockpit voice recorders and extends travel credit validity to five years.
  • It requires automatic refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights, strengthening passenger protections.
  • The FAA will hire and train up to 3,000 new air traffic controllers to address staffing shortages.