FAA Proposes Airspace Tweaks Over Wilkes-Barre: Routine Sky Boundary Adjustments
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the airspace rules around Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to better control flights using instruments, making the skies safer and clearer. They’re also fixing the airport’s location info and updating tower operation hours. Pilots and local air traffic controllers will feel the change, and the public can share their thoughts by January 8, 2026—no extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Class D Airspace Slightly Expanded
The FAA would increase the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Class D airspace radius from a 4.1-mile radius to a 4.2-mile radius and update the airport geographic coordinates to Lat. 41°20'19" N, Long. 75°43'24" W. The change is intended to ensure controlled airspace properly contains instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.
Class E4 Airspace Reconfigured
The FAA would reconfigure the Class E4 surface-area extensions to extend upward from the surface within 2 miles each side of the 033° bearing from the airport from the 4.2-mile radius to 9.4 miles northeast, and within 1 mile each side of the 214° bearing from the airport from the 4.2-mile radius to 7.3 miles southwest. The reconfiguration is to properly contain the currently published standard instrument approach procedures.
Tower Operates 24 Hours — Part-Time Removed
The FAA proposes to remove language that described the Wilkes-Barre Class E4 airspace as part-time because the control tower is in operation 24 hours a day. This change makes the legal description match current 24-hour tower operations.
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Key Dates
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