Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025

The Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 would modify how the Federal Aviation Administration oversees pavement construction at smaller commercial airports. Currently, airports receiving federal funding must meet FAA standards for runway and taxiway pavement. This bill would allow certain nonprimary commercial airports—those serving 2,500 to 10,000 annual passengers with smaller aircraft—to use their state's highway standards instead, if the state requests this option and the FAA determines it would not compromise safety.

The bill would streamline the approval process by requiring the FAA to make safety determinations within six months of a state's request, rather than leaving the timeline open-ended. The FAA could extend this deadline by an additional six months if needed, but would have to notify the state and explain why the extension is necessary. This would give states and airports more predictability about when they can proceed with construction projects.

For everyday citizens, this could mean lower construction costs at smaller regional airports, potentially leading to reduced ticket prices or improved airport facilities. However, the practical impact would likely be limited to the specific category of smaller airports that meet the bill's criteria. The bill has passed the House and is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.