CBP Grounds Miami Seaplane Base's 'International Airport' Dreams
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to withdraw the international airport designation of Chalk Seaplane Base, now operating as Miami Seaplane Base. This proposal is based on evidence that the facility at this location has not been in compliance with CBP regulatory and security standards and the amount of business clearing through the airport does not justify continued maintenance of inspection equipment and personnel. The proposed change is part of CBP's continued efforts to use its personnel, facilities, and resources more efficiently and to provide better service to carriers, importers, and the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Operator loses ability to host international flights
The seaplane base operator (Chalks Airline / Nautilus Enterprises) would lose the federal international-port designation for CSB because the facility has not met CBP safety and inspection standards and passenger volume is low. CBP previously warned the operator (notice on August 6, 2019) and began denying permission to land for international flights effective May 15, 2021; the proposed rule would formalize removal of the designation.
Chalk Seaplane Base loses international status
CBP proposes to withdraw the international airport designation for Chalk Seaplane Base (also called Miami Seaplane Base) and remove it from 8 CFR 100.4(b) and 19 CFR 122.13. Since CBP has denied permission to land for international flights at CSB since May 15, 2021, international seaplane arrivals will be processed at Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport instead. Comments on the proposal are due October 20, 2026.
Regulatory list cleaned up for clarity
CBP proposes removing CSB from the lists of designated international airports in the CFR (8 CFR 100.4(b) and 19 CFR 122.13) to reflect that the port has not been used for international CBP processing since May 15, 2021. CBP says this change is intended to reduce public confusion and expects the rule to produce a minor transparency benefit.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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