Policy & Regulation News

Wall Street Journal

Airlines Push Back as ICE Uses Airport Flight Manifests to Arrest Travelers With Lapsed Visas

Federal agents are using airline flight manifests to identify and arrest travelers with expired visas at airports, prompting airlines to object over operational safety, enforcement protocols and the role of carriers in immigration actions. The dispute raises questions about coordination between federal authorities and airport operators.

AeroTime

Bahamas bills aircraft operators retroactively, raising fees as much as 700% for flights since 2021

The Bahamas is retroactively billing some aircraft operators for flights dating back to May 2021, with fee increases ranging from 300% to 700%. The move creates unexpected cost exposure for operators and raises operational and compliance concerns over the country’s aviation-fee collection practices.

ch-aviation

Nigeria threatens sanctions, possible suspension of Royal Air Maroc over passenger-rights violations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority says it may impose stricter sanctions on Royal Air Maroc, including recommending a suspension of the airline’s Nigerian operations. The regulator cited repeated alleged violations of passenger rights and broader regulatory non-compliance, escalating pressure on the Moroccan carrier in a key African market.

SpaceNews.com

Voyager seeks more flexibility in NASA’s commercial space station requirements for Starlab

Voyager Technologies remains optimistic about Starlab’s prospects but is seeking changes to NASA’s commercial space station request for proposals. The company wants certain requirements relaxed, highlighting the tension between NASA’s program objectives and industry’s ability to deliver commercially viable orbital infrastructure.

Reuters

High activity

FAA proposes greater airline flexibility for emergency medical kits

The FAA proposed allowing airlines more flexibility in meeting requirements for emergency medical kits carried on commercial flights. The proposal could affect how carriers equip aircraft for in-flight medical events while maintaining the agency’s regulatory framework for onboard emergency response.

Flying Magazine

High activity

FAA awards $870 million for airport infrastructure, safety and passenger upgrades

The FAA is awarding $870 million for airport improvements, with funding directed toward infrastructure upgrades, safety enhancements and more family-friendly features. The grants underscore continued federal investment in airport facilities and passenger-facing infrastructure, though the announcement provides no further breakdown of recipients or individual project amounts.

AINonline

NBAA Welcomes Extended Deadlines and Rebates in Revised Radio Altimeter Rule

The National Business Aviation Association welcomed changes to the radio altimeter rule that push compliance deadlines and introduce a rebate program. The revisions give operators additional time to address affected equipment while providing financial support for upgrades tied to the rule’s implementation.

Bloomberg Law

Canadian employers seek powers to preemptively limit strikes affecting airlines, rail and ports

Employers are pressing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to let the labor minister restrict planned strike action before it begins when it threatens the national public interest. Unions strongly oppose the proposal, which is being considered as part of Canada’s Labor Code review.