Airlines warn permanent daylight saving time could disrupt US airport schedules

Airlines for America (A4A), the trade group representing major U.S. carriers, said that ending the twice‑annual clock change would have considerable implications for aviation. Potential impacts include passenger disruption, complications in crew and aircraft positioning, and challenges to both domestic and international connectivity.

The warning coincides with the House’s passage of the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan 308‑117 vote that would allow states to adopt year‑round daylight‑saving time and sends the proposal to the Senate. While President Trump has indicated he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk, its future remains uncertain. Currently, 20 states have passed legislation seeking permanent daylight‑saving time, and only Arizona and Hawaii do not observe any clock changes.

Proponents argue that permanent daylight‑saving time would reduce biannual disruptions and boost tourism, whereas critics contend that permanent standard time better aligns with circadian rhythms. The airline industry stresses that any shift would require a phased implementation timeline to address the global complexities of airline scheduling.