FAA Studies New Flight Paths Around Anchorage Airports
Published Date: 7/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is starting a study to redesign the airspace and flight paths around Anchorage’s airports to make flying safer and more efficient. This affects pilots, local airports, and the military base at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, which needs better airspace to operate fully. The study will check environmental impacts and share updates soon, with no final decisions made yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Study to Redesign Anchorage Airspace
On July 14, 2026 the FAA started an Environmental Assessment (EA) to redesign terminal airspace and flight paths in the Anchorage basin. The study covers an approximate 200‑nautical mile radius around Anchorage and will evaluate procedure changes below 10,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and special noise considerations below 18,000 feet AGL.
Enables Full JBER Operations
The EA seeks airspace changes that would let Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson (JBER) operate at its intended capacity and fleet mix. The notice states the Instrument Landing System (ILS) for Runway 17 cannot become operational under the current airspace design and that airspace modification is needed for JBER to operate fully.
Updated RNAV Routes and Airspace Boundaries
The Proposed Action would update airspace boundaries (including Anchorage Part 93, Class C, and Class D) and change arrival and departure routes using advanced RNAV procedures to connect study airports to high‑altitude routes. The notice says RNAV‑based SIDs and STARs will be designed with advanced RNAV capabilities and that changes may include procedure altitudes above and below 18,000 feet AGL.
Environmental/Noise Review for Procedure Changes
The EA will evaluate environmental impacts of proposed procedure changes below 10,000 feet AGL and will give special consideration to potential noise impacts below 18,000 feet AGL around national parks, wildlife refuges, historic sites, and traditional cultural properties. The FAA also says it will engage the public, government agencies, and tribes during the EA.
No New Flights or Construction Expected
The FAA states the Proposed Action is not anticipated to increase the number of aircraft operations at the study airports and will not involve physical construction of facilities. The study is focused on procedure and airspace design changes, not new buildings or added flights.
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