DOT CONSIDERS USEFULNESS OF TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY DATA
February 20, 2026
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On January 12, 2026, DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics published a notice seeking public comment on the need for U.S. and foreign air carriers to file traffic and capacity data pursuant to 14 C.F.R. 241.19 and Part 217, respectively. While traffic and capacity reports are used to analyze air transportation activity to, from, and within the United States, the Trump administration seeks industry input on the continuing need for and usefulness of such reports. In addition to DOT, other federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Justice and the FAA currently use traffic, operational, and capacity data when analyzing airline competition and safety concerns, among other matters. For foreign air carriers, T-100(f) reports are regularly used by DOT’s Office of International Aviation to assess the benefits received by foreign air carriers when operating to/from the United States and are often considered when DOT must gauge those benefits against the public interest. Those seeking to comment on DOT’s notice must submit comments by March 13, 2026.
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