FAA Asks Public to Weigh In on Remote Midway Airport Future
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA wants your thoughts on the future of Midway Atoll Airport, a key stopover for flights crossing the Pacific Ocean. The airport’s runway and facilities are wearing out and need big repairs within 3 to 5 years to keep planes flying safely. If it closes, it could shake up trans-Pacific flights, so the FAA is asking for comments by September 8, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Rehab Need at Midway
Midway Atoll Airport (MDY) has serious wear and needs major repairs within the next 3 to 5 years. The FAA notes that major airfield rehabilitation is estimated to exceed $100,000,000, while the Fish and Wildlife Service currently uses $2.5 million per year in Airport Improvement Program funds plus about $2.6 million in annual FWS funding to maintain minimum operations.
Loss Would Change Trans‑Pacific Routes
If MDY could not be used as an ETOPS alternate airport, air carriers would have to plan alternate trans-Pacific routes. The FAA says MDY is used in ETOPS flight planning for tens of thousands of trans‑Pacific flights annually, so loss of MDY could increase flight time, fuel use, and costs for passengers and cargo.
MDY Provides Diversion Safety Backup
MDY serves as an ETOPS diversion airport and has accepted at least 11 commercial or military diversions between 2003 and 2021. The FAA explains that MDY's availability provides safety and operational options for long-range flights over the North‑Central Pacific Ocean.
Other ETOPS Alternates Exist
The FAA notes other ETOPS alternate airports across the North‑Central Pacific—Wake Island Airfield (PAWK), Eareckson Air Station (PASY), and Marshall Islands International Airport (PKMJ)—that also serve trans‑Pacific routes. These airports are potential alternatives if MDY were unavailable.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-18376, Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fuel leakage near rib 6 during production pressure testing. An investigation found oversized holes in a certain outboard shear-tie. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the fasteners and fastener holes at rib 6 for discrepancies and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-18375, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and A350-1041 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of failure of hydraulic engine driven pumps (EDPs) of the standard EDP-06. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane configuration, modifying the hydraulic monitoring and control application (HMCA), accomplishing applicable concurrent requirements, revising the existing airplane flight manual (AFM), and replacing affected parts. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of affected parts and prohibit the installation of certain HMCA software. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14973, Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Submission for OMB Review; Securities Offering Disclosure Rules
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is renewing its paperwork rules for companies offering securities, making sure the info they collect stays clear and up-to-date. This affects businesses that sell securities and helps keep paperwork manageable without extra costs. Comments on these rules are open until August 24, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Next: 2026-14975, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Texas Stock Exchange LLC; Notice of Designation of a Longer Period for Commission Action on a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Exchange Rule 13.003 Related to Proxy Voting
The Texas Stock Exchange wants to change its proxy voting rule, which affects how shareholders vote on important company decisions. The SEC needs more time to review this change, so they extended their decision deadline from July 26 to September 9, 2026. This delay means everyone involved should stay tuned for updates, but no money changes hands just yet.