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Airport Access Issues

The Office has a dedicated Airport Access Ombuds who engages with air carriers and airports in certain cases where challenges occur in the accommodation of new or expanded air service. Such challenges may be due to temporary or long-term factors. The Ombudsman may engage with air carriers and airports when such cases arise, or proactively to discuss best-practices for enabling air service growth, airport competition planning, and access to constrained airports.

What is the Role of the Ombuds?

The Airport Access Ombuds is the Office’s liaison on issues related to airport access and accommodation practices. The Ombuds may review access disagreements which are reported to the Department and assist in their resolution. The Ombuds does not act under statutory authority, rather provides a more collaborative, preemptive alternative to existing dispute resolution procedures available for air carriers and airports.

The Ombuds is also the Office’s liaison with FAA for Airport Competition Plans and interfaces with FAA’s Office of Airports (ARP) to ensure effective coordination when needed on relevant airport issues. The Ombuds does not provide endorsement or advise airports on matters related to the FAA Airport Improvement Program.

Supporting Competitive Air Service Development

Commencing or expanding air service at U.S. airports is a multi-step process typically requiring several distinct approvals which ensure an air carrier and airport proprietor have in place the necessary space, staff, and other resourcing required to support the new service. The launch of just one new air route can bring substantial economic benefit to a community or communities of air travelers. It may be a culmination of months or years of planning and investment by an air carrier, airport, and local stakeholders.

The Office of Aviation Analysis actively assesses factors related to competitive air service development, including but not limited to:

  •    Air carrier/ airport perceived barriers-to-entry and expansion
  •    Airport modernization programs
  •    Effective practices for airport capacity management
  •    Industry trends impacting connectivity for small and rural communities