FAA Delays Secondary Cockpit Barrier Rule by One Year

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a one-year delay in the implementation of a new safety regulation requiring secondary cockpit barriers on newly delivered commercial passenger aircraft. The rule, originally set to take effect in August, is now postponed until August 2026.

The requirement mandates aircraft manufacturers to install a secondary physical barrier—typically a lightweight, retractable gate—on new aircraft to enhance cockpit security, especially during times when the cockpit door is open. The regulation does not apply retroactively to aircraft already in service.

The delay follows a request from Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The group had asked the FAA for a two-year delay, citing the lack of FAA-certified secondary barriers, approved manuals, procedures, and training programs necessary for compliance.

“This will allow time to facilitate FAA certification and install the barriers,” the FAA said in a statement on Tuesday, explaining the decision to grant a shorter one-year extension.

The secondary barrier requirement stems from post-9/11 flight deck security reforms, which initially mandated reinforced cockpit doors to prevent unauthorized access. In 2018, Congress passed a law requiring the FAA to adopt rules mandating additional security measures. However, the agency has faced criticism for its delayed response, as it only finalized the secondary barrier rule in 2023—four years past the original deadline.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the largest pilot union in the U.S., has pushed back strongly against further delays. Last month, the union urged the FAA to reject what it called a “stalling tactic” by the airline industry. ALPA emphasized that at least 52 hijacking attempts have occurred globally since 2001, illustrating the continued threat of cockpit intrusion and terrorism.

“Secondary barriers are a proven, cost-effective measure to enhance cockpit security,” ALPA stated, underscoring the need for timely implementation.

Boeing, Airbus, and Airlines for America had originally lobbied for a three-year implementation timeline, but union groups advocated for a one-year deadline from the date of rule publication. The FAA ultimately settled on a one-year delay, with the rule now expected to be enforced beginning in August 2026.

The FAA clarified that existing regulations will continue to govern cockpit access and security in the meantime. Since 2007, federal rules have required cockpit doors to remain locked during flight unless opened to permit access by authorized individuals. These protocols, combined with reinforced cockpit doors, have formed the backbone of flight deck security for over two decades.

As the aviation industry continues to balance safety enhancements with operational and logistical challenges, the debate over the timing and urgency of implementing cockpit barrier requirements remains a key focus for regulators, airlines, and pilots alike.


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

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, FAA.gov, reuters.com