Federal Register #FAA-2026-8185

FAA Solicits Comments on Midway Atoll Airport ETOPS Role and Infrastructure Needs

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is seeking public and industry input regarding the future of Midway Atoll Airport/Henderson Airfield (MDY) and its critical role as an ETOPS (Extended Range Operation with Two-Engine Airplanes) alternate airport for trans-Pacific aviation operations. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration - Department of Transportation - Purpose: - Soliciting comments on the operational importance of MDY as an ETOPS alternate airport - Assessing the impact on flight routes, fuel consumption, and customer experience if MDY becomes unavailable - Infrastructure Needs: - MDY's infrastructure is deteriorating and requires significant rehabilitation, estimated at over $100 million - Runway expected to severely deteriorate within five years, necessitating major investment to maintain FAA certification and operational capability - Services Requested: - Public comments and industry feedback on the importance and potential loss of MDY as an ETOPS alternate - Nominations for membership on the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee (ASFAC) to advise on Arctic maritime transportation policy and infrastructure - No specific OEMs, vendors, products, or purchase quantities are identified in this notice - Unique Requirements: - Focus on strategic aviation infrastructure and policy input rather than procurement of goods or services - Emphasis on the potential operational and economic impacts to the aviation industry

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting comments from the aviation industry and the general public regarding the importance of Midway Atoll Airport/Henderson Airfield (MDY) for trans-Pacific Ocean aviation operations. MDY serves as a flight planning role for routes across the North-Central Pacific Ocean and functions as an Extended Range Operation with Two-Engine Airplanes (ETOPS) alternate airport. The airport's infrastructure is deteriorating and requires significant investments and rehabilitation within the next three to five years to maintain operational capability and compliance with FAA certification and ETOPS requirements. The FAA seeks responses to understand the potential impacts if MDY were no longer available as an ETOPS alternate airport.

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