Drones at Airports? FAA Seeks Input on Safe UAS Integration and Droneports
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA wants to learn how airports and drone companies are working together to safely bring drones into airport spaces. They’re asking people involved—like airport operators and drone makers—to share their thoughts through interviews or written answers by April 22, 2026. This info will help the FAA create new rules and maybe even officially define what a droneport is, making drone flights smoother and safer in the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Possible Standards for UAS Infrastructure and Safety
The FAA will use the collected information to shape future operational evaluations and the possible development of standards and guidance for planning, design, physical infrastructure needs, and safety standards. The effort will address both UAS under 55 pounds (small UAS) and UAS weighing 55 pounds or more, and will consider both fixed-wing and rotary operations, including cargo transport.
FAA May Create a 'Droneport' Definition
Based on the research, the FAA may develop a formal definition for a 'droneport.' For the research, the FAA used a modified Part 1 definition: "an area of land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of UAS aircraft, and includes its buildings and facilities, if any."
Stakeholders Face Information-Collection Burden
The FAA is asking about 100 airport and UAS stakeholders to provide information by interview or written response. Each response is estimated to take 2.5 hours on average, with an estimated total annual burden of 250 hours, and information may be collected one to two times annually.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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