Senator Ted Cruz, leading the Senate Commerce Committee, has called on President Donald Trump to endorse a proposal to increase the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65 to 67.
This push, supported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will be discussed at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) triennial assembly in Montreal.
The proposal aims to address the loss of experienced pilots due to current age restrictions.
The IATA, representing around 350 airlines, argues that extending the retirement age by two years poses no safety risks, a stance backed by countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Senators John Thune, Marsha Blackburn, and Mark Kelly also support the change.
However, the Air Line Pilots Association, led by Jason Ambrosi, opposes the move, citing studies showing increased health risks and declining cognitive skills with age.
In 2024, Congress rejected a similar proposal to raise the pilot retirement age, following the Federal Aviation Administration’s call for thorough scientific and safety analysis.
International rules currently bar pilots over 65 from flying international flights, a standard many countries, including the U.S., apply domestically.
The ICAO, which sets global aviation standards, will evaluate the IATA’s proposal as U.S. officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA chief Bryan Bedford, attend the Montreal meeting.