Airlines Caution Daylight Saving Shift Could Chaos Flight Schedules

WHO:

Fox Business - Airlines for America (A4A), a trade group representing leading air carriers in the U.S.

Fox Business - President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Sunshine Protection Act if it reaches his desk.

WHAT:

Fox Business - Airlines have warned that changes to Daylight Saving Time (DST) would have considerable implications for aviation, including passenger disruption, crew and aircraft positioning, and domestic and international connectivity issues.

Fox Business - The House advanced the Sunshine Protection Act on a bipartisan 308-117 vote, sending the legislation to the Senate.

Fox Business - 20 states have approved legislation to remain on DST permanently if authorized by Congress.

Fox Business - An AP-NORC survey found that 12% of respondents favored the current practice of changing the clock twice a year, while nearly half were opposed.

WHERE:

Fox Business - The legislation was advanced in the House of Representatives.

WHEN:

Fox Business - The House vote on the Sunshine Protection Act occurred on a Tuesday.

WHY:

Fox Business - Proponents of permanent daylight saving time argue it would eliminate disruptions caused by switching clocks twice per year and boost tourism and outdoor activities with more sunlight in winter evenings.

Fox Business - Critics argue that permanent standard time would better align with circadian rhythms and prevent situations where the sun rises after 9 a.m. in winter.

HOW:

Fox Business - The Sunshine Protection Act would allow states to voluntarily observe DST throughout the year and end the twice-annual clock changes.

(UPDATED July 18, 2026 05:44 UTC)

Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. air carriers, has expressed concerns that changes to Daylight Saving Time could significantly disrupt aviation operations, affecting passenger travel and connectivity. The House of Representatives has advanced the Sunshine Protection Act with a bipartisan vote of 308 to 117, which would allow states to opt for permanent Daylight Saving Time if Congress approves, and President Trump is expected to sign it if it reaches his desk. Currently, 20 states have already passed legislation to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round, while a recent survey shows that nearly half of respondents oppose the current practice of changing the clock twice a year.