2026-22450·DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Update and Clarification of the Passenger Facility Charge Regulations

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Nov 4, 2026
Comments close: Jan 4, 2027
Citation: 91 FR 69511
Docket: Docket No.: FAA-2022-1315, Notice No. 26-19
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Federal Aviation Administration

Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing updates to the rules that govern Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs)—the fees airports can add to airline tickets to fund airport improvements. The changes implement requirements from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, including reducing the amount of “turnback” funds (money that would otherwise be returned to airlines), adding two new types of projects that can be funded with PFCs, tightening limits on what projects qualify, and streamlining the review process for project proposals. The goal is to make the PFC program more transparent, efficient, and aligned with recent congressional directives. The rule is issued by the Department of Transportation’s FAA and primarily affects U.S. airports that collect PFCs, the airlines that sell tickets, and the local communities or agencies that propose airport‑related projects. It also impacts passengers, because the fees they pay will continue to fund eligible airport improvements under the revised guidelines. The supplemental notice was published on November 4 2026, and the FAA is asking for public comments by January 4 2027. No effective date is set yet; the agency will consider the comments, finalize the rule later in 2027, and then the new requirements will apply to future PFC collections and project approvals.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

On September 27, 2023 FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend its Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) regulations to implement congressionally mandated changes to an existing pilot program within the PFC program. FAA also proposed to reaffirm existing program requirements and update or remove obsolete references within the PFC regulations. Following publication of the NPRM and before FAA issued a final rule, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (the 2024 Act) was signed into law on May 16, 2024. Several sections of the 2024 Act necessitate changes to PFC regulations or modifications to proposals made in the NPRM. As such, FAA now issues this supplemental proposal addressing: PFC turnback reductions; two new PFC-eligible projects; restrictions to PFC-eligible projects; FAA's timeline for review and acknowledgement of notice of intent (NOI) submissions; PFC streamlining review eligibility; and PFC submittal requirements. This proposal aligns with the requirements established by the 2024 Act.