The Biden administration’s proposal for a new regulation aimed at compensating passengers for controllable delays has prompted airlines to call for its dismissal under the Trump administration.

Airlines for America has made the case that introducing such compensation would inadvertently increase costs for travelers through higher ticket prices. They argue that they already have sufficient incentives to ensure the quality of their services.

Airlines Claim Rule Would Harm Aviation Instead of Benefit Flyers

The proposed regulation comes from an idea similar to the European Commission Regulation 261 (EC261), which obliges certain airlines to compensate passengers for cancellations due to controllable reasons. This review was suggested in a private meeting in September 2024, aiming for implementation by January 2025.

Despite the proposed benefits for travelers, airlines assert that further regulations could create financial burdens that impact airline performance negatively. Letters from Airlines for America note, “Airlines do not need further incentive to provide quality service.”

While the stance of the current administration on this rule remains unannounced, President Trump has previously advocated for modernizing air traffic control infrastructure, a move that has been positively received by industry representatives.