Policy & Regulation News

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

High activity

DOT exempts U.S. airlines from providing hotels and meals for some controllable delays

The Department of Transportation issued a final rule narrowing when U.S.-based airlines must provide free overnight accommodations and meal vouchers after cancellations or significant delays within the carrier’s control. The change gives airlines a broader carve-out from passenger-care obligations during extended disruptions.

Bloomberg

High activity

Senators Press FAA to Release Controllers’ Remaining 2.8% Pay Raise Amid Scheduling Tensions

Two Democratic senators are urging the FAA to distribute the remaining 2.8% of a congressionally approved pay increase for air traffic controllers, accusing the agency of withholding raises. The FAA says additional conditions remain, intensifying a dispute over controller workload and a broader scheduling overhaul.

AINonline

FAA proposes allowing AMEs to certify pilots with non-insulin-treated diabetes directly

The FAA would allow aviation medical examiners to issue pilot medical certificates directly to applicants with diabetes not treated with insulin, removing an additional agency review step. The proposed change would not apply to insulin-treated pilots and could streamline certification for eligible aviators.

Payload

China’s Commercial Rocket Startups Race to Orbit as Shanghai Listing Rules Raise the Stakes

A Shanghai listing rule has made orbital flight a prerequisite for commercial space companies seeking public-market access, prompting China’s rocket startups to accelerate launches. The policy is linking capital-market eligibility directly to demonstrated launch capability and reshaping competition across the country’s emerging commercial space sector.

ch-aviation

Congo revokes operating licences of 16 air operators

Congo has revoked the licences of 16 air operators, a significant regulatory action affecting the country’s commercial aviation market. The move could reshape the competitive and operational landscape for affected carriers, though the available report does not specify the reasons or immediate consequences.

SpaceWatch Global

High activity

Franco-German NewSpace urges Brussels to buy launch services instead of adding rules

In a joint declaration ahead of the Paris summit, German and French NewSpace companies are urging the European Commission to become a customer for commercial launch services rather than impose additional regulation. The appeal reflects industry efforts to secure demand and strengthen Europe’s emerging private space sector.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Ukraine asks ICAO to ban overflights of Russia as drone threat disrupts Moscow flights

Ukraine is urging ICAO to prohibit commercial overflights of Russia, citing deteriorating airspace safety as it plans more drone activity near Russian airports. Airlines are already adjusting operations: Air Tanzania diverted a Moscow flight to St. Petersburg, while Flydubai continues reviewing routes, delays and diversions.

ch-aviation

Argentina and Uruguay adopt open-skies framework with unrestricted capacity, frequencies and routes

Argentina and Uruguay have signed an agreement removing capacity restrictions on air services between the two countries. Confirmed by both foreign ministries, the framework liberalizes flight frequencies and routes as the governments seek to strengthen bilateral air connectivity.