Airlines Want More Time to Comment on Proposed DHS Rule
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) has filed a request with the Department of Homeland Security for a 60 day extension of the comment period in the US-VISIT/Exit rulemaking proceeding, from June 23 to Aug. 23.
This proceeding will determine the allocation of responsibilities between the Department of Homeland Security and air carriers for a border control activity that has been deemed to be a sovereign function to be performed by the government.
Both ATA and IATA believe that the current deadline for comments will not provide sufficient time to examine the effects of the proposal and the alternatives that the NPRM identifies for evaluation. Both trade associations also contemplate that the proposed NPRM will involve tremendous costs to their airline members, which also require additional time for thorough evaluation.
ACI-NA has filed for a 60 day extension of the comment period, supporting the filings of ATA and IATA.
ACI-NA had earlier stated its opposition to DHS’s attempt to have airline personnel collect the fingerprints of departing passengers.