Federal Register #DOT-OST-2026-1257

DOT Rule Requires IT System Modifications for Airline Delay and Cancellation Reporting

This opportunity relates to regulatory changes by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) affecting airline delay and cancellation reporting. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; labor categories referenced include Computer Programmers and Computer Systems Analysts - Products/Services Requested: - Modification of government and air carrier data collection and processing systems to implement a new reporting category for ten specific causes of flight delays and cancellations - Estimated labor: 240 hours at BTS, 80 hours at FAA, and system changes by 13 reporting air carriers - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Ten specific events (e.g., aircraft cleaning due to passenger death, cybersecurity attacks, medical emergencies, extreme weather damage, airport closures due to volcanic ash) must be reported in a new category, not as carrier-controlled delays - Continuous monthly reporting required by air carriers - System modifications must accommodate new reporting structure as mandated by Section 511(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 - No products or part numbers specified; focus is on IT system and process changes

Description

The U.S. Department of Transportation is amending regulations on how air carriers report causes of flight cancellations and delays. This final rule implements Section 511(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, mandating that ten specific types of events be excluded from the "Air Carrier" causal reporting code, which is reserved for carrier-controllable circumstances. A new reporting category is created to capture these ten specific events, ensuring accurate data reporting to the Department and the traveling public. The rule is effective October 19, 2026, and aims to distinguish between carrier-controllable events and statutory exclusions.

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