Final Rule On Tarmac Delay Plans To Be Implemented On Schedule

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), which represents the owners and operators of airports throughout the United States, issued a statement Thursday in response to the DOT's announcement to not delay certain requirements in their Final Rule 'Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections'.

On July 14, ACI-NA filed comments urging that DOT not delay the implementation date for domestic airlines to extend their tarmac delay contingency plans to small and non-hub airports.

“ACI-NA is pleased with the DOT’s decision to maintain the existing schedule to require airlines to develop tarmac delay contingency plans for small and non-hub airports and coordinate those plans with airport authorities by August 23, 2011," said ACI-NA President Greg Principato in the statement. "More than two years ago, ACI-NA urged the DOT to ensure that all passengers, not just those traveling through the nation’s largest airports, be protected against extended tarmac delays. Moving forward with the implementation of this regulation will ensure that passengers traveling on half of the flights in the United States receive the same customer service and legal rights afforded to other passengers.”

FMI: www.aci-na.org