Gallego, Kelly urge FAA to revisit Phoenix flight path plans amid noise concerns

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) project that would change operations at 10 Phoenix-area airports garnered criticism from Arizona U.S. Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly.

Gallego and Kelly, in a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, claimed the new regulations could put nearly 100,000 people at greater risk for reportable noise. Over 65,000 residents could see noise increases as substantial as 5 decibels or more.

“We urge the FAA to go further and commit to making meaningful changes to the Phoenix Area Modernization Project to address serious concerns raised by impacted communities prior to finalizing or implementing any new air traffic procedures,” their letter read.

Some municipalities, such as the cities of Phoenix and Mesa, have also contacted the FAA to voice their concerns.

The target date for implementation was already delayed last month from February 2027 to June 2027 due to feedback the agency has received.

What would the FAA project change about Phoenix flight paths?

The Phoenix Area Modernization Project seeks to add satellite-based air traffic procedures and update other satellite-based procedures to improve efficiency and safety.

Gallego and Kelly’s letter notes appreciation for the potential efficiency and safety benefits as the area’s current procedures are “outdated,” but it says it was done without consideration for environmental and community impacts.

“Resolving these issues would ensure a safer airspace,” the letter read. “However, geometric airspace changes should only ever be made as a last resort, and any proposed changes must be clearly justified and accompanied by robust public engagement.”

The noise impact stems from departure routes at Scottsdale Airport that would be modified to cause flights directly over the Phoenix Mountain Preserve in north Phoenix, because they would have to fly directly under the satellites’ path.

Additional potentially harmful impacts noted by Gallego and Kelly include turbojets flying over residential areas near Mesa Gateway Airport that have not previously been beneath flight paths, as well as allowing aircraft that are less regulated to fly out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

In concluding their letter, the senators sought further discussion with FAA leadership on how the agency plans to address their concerns.

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