Passenger‑rights group FlyersRights announced on 30 October 2026 that it filed a petition in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, alleging the Department of Transportation (DOT) exceeded Congressional authority and adopted the rule without public comment.
The DOT published the rule on 3 September 2026 but postponed its effective date to 1 February 2027 after a request from Airlines for America; the revised reporting requirements will apply to flights beginning 1 January 2027.
The rule moves ten disruption types — including certain unscheduled maintenance and cybersecurity attacks — out of the “Air Carrier” category used for problems deemed within an airline’s control.
FlyersRights argues Congress only directed DOT to change how airlines report delay causes, not to lessen their duty to assist stranded passengers, and criticizes the agency for skipping the normal notice‑and‑comment process.
The DOT acknowledged in the rule that it expects airlines to provide less in amenities and compensation once the ten causes are excluded from the airline‑controlled category.