FAA EXTENDS LIMITED WAIVER OF SLOT USAGE REQUIREMENTS AT DCA, JFK, AND LGA
September 8, 2025
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On July 25, 2025, the FAA extended relief from minimum usage requirements at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“DCA”), John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”), and LaGuardia Airport (“LGA”) through Summer 2026. Doing so allows carriers to reduce schedules without penalties for non-use of slots. The FAA undertook this action after Airlines for America (“A4A”) submitted a petition on April 21, 2025, requesting extended relief through the Summer 2027 season. When determining whether to grant a waiver of the usage requirement, the FAA explained that the current number of certified controllers remains insufficient to handle traffic levels such that there is a high likelihood of congestion, delay, and cancellations absent extension. To be eligible for relief, carriers seeking to return slots must do so by January 15, 2026, for Summer 2026. Carriers should not expect any extension beyond the Summer 2026 season as the FAA does not anticipate granting further relief at this time.
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