LaGuardia Flight Caps Extended Again Until 2028
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is extending the rules that limit how many flights can take off and land at New York’s LaGuardia Airport until October 28, 2028. These limits help keep the airport from getting too crowded and affecting travelers and airlines. If you fly or work there, expect these rules to stay in place for a few more years, helping keep things running smoothly without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
LaGuardia limits extended to 2028
The FAA extended the Order limiting operations at New York LaGuardia Airport so the Order remains in effect through October 28, 2028. The Order has been in effect since January 1, 2007 and will continue to apply during the extension period.
Hourly caps: 71 scheduled, 3 unscheduled
During slot-controlled hours the Order maintains a limit of 71 scheduled Operating Authorizations per hour and 3 reservations per hour for unscheduled operations. Slot-controlled hours are 6:00 a.m. through 9:59 p.m. Eastern Time Monday–Friday and 12:00 noon through 9:59 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday.
80% slot-use rule and reporting
Air carriers holding Operating Authorizations must report every two months and any Operating Authorization not used at least 80% of the time over a two-month period will be withdrawn, with specific exceptions (Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, December 24 through the first Saturday in January, lottery allocations treated as used for 120 days, and FAA waivers for highly unusual events of 5+ consecutive days). Reports are due within 14 days after the two-month reporting period ends.
Carriers can trade or lease slots with FAA approval
The Order allows air carriers to trade or lease Operating Authorizations (slots) for consideration during the Order's duration, subject to written notice and FAA review and approval. The FAA expects to allow transfers between carriers under the same marketing control up to 5 business days after the actual operation in limited cases.
Unscheduled reservation rules and prohibition on sale
For unscheduled operations (except helicopters), three reservations per hour are available and are assigned by the FAA's Airport Reservation Office on a first-come, first-served basis; cancellations are required. The Order explicitly states that reservations cannot be bought, sold, or leased.
Enforcement: civil penalties and injunctions
The FAA may enforce the Order through civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. 46301(a), and the FAA or the Department of Justice can seek injunctive relief in U.S. District Court under 49 U.S.C. 46106 or 46107 for violations of the Order.
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