Policy & Regulation News

Flying Magazine

U.S. imposes drone flight restriction along entire Mexico border to counter cartel activity and other threats

The Transportation, Defense and Homeland Security departments have established a temporary flight restriction covering the entire U.S.-Mexico border. The measure is intended to counter what the agencies describe as “illicit cartel activity” and other drone threats.

AINonline

Bedford to headline “Meet the Regulators” at NBAA-BACE after FAA revokes Citation single-pilot exemptions

Bedford is set to headline the “Meet the Regulators” discussion at NBAA-BACE. The event follows the FAA’s revocation of single-pilot exemptions for Citation aircraft, putting regulator engagement and the policy change in the same news cycle.

Reuters

High activity

U.S. lifts restrictions on Mexican airlines’ routes from Mexico City airports, voiding order that canceled 13 routes

The U.S. Department of Transportation has immediately rescinded an October 2025 order that blocked 13 current or planned routes by Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva from Mexico City International and Felipe Ángeles International airports. Mexican carriers can again propose new U.S. services, but must continue submitting schedules for approval.

Bloomberg

High activity

UK Chancellor backs third Heathrow runway, setting up potential clash with prime minister

Chancellor John Healey has backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow, according to the report, putting him at odds with Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The support revives a major airport-capacity proposal as a point of contention within the UK government.

Wall Street Journal

High activity

FAA, controllers’ union agree to 2.8% raise retroactive to Jan. 1, tied to workforce changes

The Federal Aviation Administration and the union representing U.S. air traffic controllers reached an agreement providing thousands of workers a 2.8% pay increase retroactive to Jan. 1. The deal links the raise to workforce changes and new work requirements that the FAA says will improve efficiency.

Via Satellite

ESPI urges Europe to extend MSS spectrum controls to the space segment

As Europe considers reserving part of its mobile satellite services spectrum authorization for European operators, the European Space Policy Institute says the approach should go further. It argues that Europe should maximize its control over the space segment as well, making strategic autonomy a central consideration in spectrum policy.

Space Intel Report

ITU faces backlog of more than 4,000 satellite network filings awaiting review

The International Telecommunication Union, the UN body responsible for coordinating international telecommunications, has more than 4,000 satellite network filings awaiting review. The backlog highlights the challenge of keeping regulatory processes aligned with rapidly changing satellite technologies, according to the article.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

Italian airlines oppose Emirates’ bid for more fifth-freedom flights from Milan

Emirates is seeking additional flying rights in Italy, including permission to operate more fifth-freedom services from Milan to the Americas. An initial proposal reportedly involved a Milan–Lima route, drawing opposition from Italian airlines as the Dubai-based carrier seeks to expand its access to the market.