FAA Nags Airlines: Submit Winter Schedules by May 15!
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The FAA is reminding airlines to submit their flight schedules for the Winter 2025/2026 season by May 15, 2025, for five busy airports: Chicago O'Hare, JFK, LAX, Newark, and San Francisco. This helps keep flights organized at these crowded airports and ensures smooth travel for everyone. Airlines that miss the deadline might face delays or lose their preferred slots, so timing is key!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
JFK Level 3 Slot Limits Through Oct 24, 2026
The FAA designates John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as an IATA Level 3 airport and currently limits scheduled operations at JFK by an FAA order that expires on October 24, 2026. The slot coordination parameters for JFK are set by that Order.
Newark Targeted Hourly Limits
For Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) the voluntary, targeted scheduling limits for Winter 2025/2026 remain at 77 operations per hour and 41 operations per half-hour. The targeted maximum number of scheduled arrivals or departures is 41 in an hour and 22 in a half-hour; FAA will accept flights above those limits only if they were operated by the same carrier in the previous corresponding season, and FAA does not intend to approve new flights unless they can be accommodated within the targeted limits.
May 15, 2025 Submission Deadline
If you operate flights at Chicago O'Hare (ORD), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), or San Francisco (SFO), you must submit your Winter 2025/2026 flight schedule information to the FAA by May 15, 2025. Schedules should be submitted to the FAA Slot Administration Office (email address provided in the notice).
Winter 2025/2026 Scheduling Season Dates
The Winter 2025/2026 scheduling season runs from October 26, 2025, through March 28, 2026. Carriers should plan and submit schedules covering that exact period when filing by the May 15, 2025 deadline.
Level 2 Airports and Designated Operating Hours
The FAA designates EWR, LAX, ORD, and SFO as IATA Level 2 airports subject to a schedule review process based on voluntary cooperation. The designated hours for the Winter 2025/2026 season are: EWR and JFK 0600–2300 Eastern Time, LAX and SFO 0600–2300 Pacific Time, and ORD 0600–2100 Central Time.
Schedule Data May Be Disclosed Under FOIA
The FAA notes that schedule information submitted by carriers may be subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Carriers that submit information they treat as private should clearly mark it as proprietary information ("PROPIN"); FAA will take steps to protect properly designated information to the extent allowed by law.
Limits Aim To Reduce Delays and Congestion
The FAA states that the targeted scheduling limits and voluntary cooperation among carriers are intended to minimize congestion and delay at capacity-constrained airports and to avoid unacceptable delays and other adverse operational impacts. These measures apply to the Winter 2025/2026 season.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04471, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; Notice of Closed Meeting
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences is holding a closed video meeting on April 24, 2025, to review special grant applications. This meeting is private to protect secret ideas and personal info tied to the grants. Researchers applying for these grants should note this important review date as it impacts funding decisions.
Next: 2025-04477, East Cheyenne Gas Storage, LLC; Notice of Application and Establishing Intervention Deadline
East Cheyenne Gas Storage wants to shrink its gas storage capacity in two Colorado fields to match what’s actually possible now. They’re cutting how much gas they can store and how fast it moves, making things safer and more accurate. If you’re interested, you’ve got until a set deadline to speak up or get involved!