FAA Tweaks Eastern U.S. VOR Airways for Modernization
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating several VOR airways across the eastern U.S. to improve navigation safety and support their VOR Minimum Operational Network program. Pilots, airlines, and air traffic controllers will see changes to routes V-16, V-35, V-37, and more, with comments open until August 21, 2026. These updates won’t cost you extra but will help keep flights smooth and on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No Added Cost for Air Travelers
The FAA says these airway updates will not cost air travelers extra and are meant to keep flights smooth and on track. The changes support planned decommissioning of the Charlotte, Foothills, and Holston Mountain navigation facilities, which the FAA plans to decommission in December 2026.
Minor Compliance or Rerouting Costs for Operators
The FAA expects, at most, de minimis costs for operators and possible minor flight rerouting for those who choose to navigate around changed or removed airway segments. These changes arise because the FAA plans to decommission certain VOR/VORTAC facilities (including in December 2026) and to relocate others.
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