FAA Delays Enforcement of Secondary Cockpit Barrier Rule Until 2026

The Federal Aviation Administration has postponed enforcement of a rule requiring secondary cockpit barriers on newly manufactured commercial aircraft. The compliance deadline has been extended by one year, moving from August 2025 to August 25, 2026.

According to the FAA, the delay is intended to allow additional time for certification and installation of the barriers. The rule, mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, officially took effect in August 2023. It requires the installation of physical secondary barriers—known as Installed Physical Secondary Barriers (IPSBs)—designed to slow down potential cockpit intrusions. The barriers are intended to provide enough time for the flight deck door to be closed and locked before an attacker can reach the cockpit.

Aircraft manufactured before the rule’s effective date are exempt from retrofitting requirements.

In May, Airlines for America, a trade group representing U.S. passenger and cargo airlines, submitted a petition requesting a two-year delay. The organization argued that current flight deck security protocols have proven effective and offer an equivalent level of safety. The petition also cited concerns over implementation timelines and the lack of certified IPSBs or approved training programs.

The FAA ultimately granted a one-year extension.

In response, Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, criticized the decision, calling it “deeply disappointing” and a threat to aviation security. He stated, “This pattern of endless delays must stop. Airlines have had ample time—two full years—to comply with this congressionally mandated safety requirement, yet once again, they are shirking their responsibility to implement this critical safety measure.”

The delay has reignited debate over cockpit security and the pace of regulatory enforcement in the aviation industry.


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=FAA, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, safetyandhealthmagazine.com