Policy & Regulation News

Wall Street Journal

Europe’s New Passport System Is Creating Long Queues and Passenger Friction

The rollout of Europe’s new passport-control system is producing frustrating arrival experiences for travelers, even when airport lines initially appear short. Lisbon International Airport illustrates how changes at the border can shift congestion from visible queues to processing delays, complicating passenger flows during the peak summer season.

FL360aero

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U.S. Rebuilds Air Traffic Control From Rotating Radar to Digital Surveillance

The United States is undertaking a broad modernization of its air traffic control system, shifting from legacy rotating radar toward digital surveillance. The transition highlights the infrastructure, technology and operational changes required to improve how aircraft are monitored and managed across the national airspace system.

Flying Magazine

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FAA advances $30 million plan to modernize Newark air traffic control with surface-movement radar

The FAA is installing new surface-movement radar at Newark Liberty International Airport as part of a $30 million plan to replace air traffic control systems that are roughly 30 years old. The technology is intended to help controllers monitor airport movements and prevent runway incidents, while transportation officials seek as much as $10 billion for broader upgrades.

ch-aviation

Ryanair faces London lawsuit from 262 former contract pilots over employment benefits

Ryanair is facing group litigation in London’s Commercial Court from 262 former pilots who allege the Irish low-cost carrier denied them statutory employment benefits while they worked as contractors. The case could bring renewed scrutiny to the airline’s use of contractor arrangements and associated employment obligations.

Associated Press

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall threatens lawsuit to restore security clearance

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall says he will sue the Trump administration over the loss of his security clearance. The dispute pits a former senior defense official against the administration and could test how security-clearance decisions affecting former officials are contested.

Flying Magazine

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NATCA Leadership Candidates Reject Duffy’s Claims That Controller Sick Calls Drove Flight Disruptions

Two candidates seeking to lead the National Air Traffic Controllers Association are challenging Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s suggestion that controller sick calls contributed to recent flight delays and cancellations. Their response sharpens an ongoing dispute over whether staffing-related absenteeism or broader workforce strain is driving operational disruption.

ch-aviation

Germany Plans €1,332-per-Ton Fines for SAF Quota Breaches and Excessive Fuel Tankering

Draft German legislation implementing the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation would fine airlines €1,332 ($1,535) per metric ton for excessive fuel tankering and failures to meet mandatory sustainable aviation fuel blending quotas. The measures would add direct financial consequences to airlines’ fuel procurement and compliance decisions.

Aviation Source

Air Canada plans direct Toronto-Lagos service from 2027 after expanded Canada-Nigeria air agreement

Air Canada plans to launch scheduled flights to Lagos in 2027 following Canada and Nigeria’s expanded Air Transport Agreement. The proposed service would establish a direct link between the two countries and expand Air Canada’s network into West Africa.