The U.S. Department of Transportation has delayed new airline delay-and-cancellation reporting rules until February 1, 2027. The rules had been scheduled to take effect October 19, 2026.
The change affects how reporting airlines categorize the causes of delays and cancellations. The rule creates a new reporting category for 10 kinds of events that Congress excluded from the existing “Air Carrier” code, which is reserved for circumstances within an airline’s control.
Because airlines report monthly data to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics after each month ends, the February effective date will apply to delays and cancellations on flights occurring on or after January 1, 2027. Airlines must file January reports using the revised categories.
The timing change gives DOT more time to update technical reporting instructions and approve the revised information collection. It changes when the reporting categories begin; it does not create a new passenger refund or compensation rule.
Sources: U.S. Department of Transportation final rule and the September 3 final rule.