The City of Dallas says it’s time general aviation traffic using Love Field (DAL) begins paying its fair share of what it costs the city to operate the airport. Until a new policy begins July 1, general aviation operators pay for airport services through a fuel tax, a portion of which is directed back to the airport, while commercial airline traffic pay additional fees based on aircraft landing weight and their amount of airport usage.
Dallas Love Field to Implement “Fair Share” GA Landing Fees
Key Takeaways:
- Dallas Love Field (DAL) is implementing a new landing fee for general aviation (GA) aircraft, effective July 1, based on the city's assertion that GA currently does not cover its fair share of airport operations and maintenance costs.
- The new fee, calculated at $5.80 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight, aims to close a $4.9 million budget gap, justified by data showing GA comprises 36% of landings but only 10% of total landing weight, with O&M costs driven by operation volume.
- While the city expects minimal impact on GA traffic, critics suggest the fees are a strategy to encourage GA to relocate to Dallas Executive Airport (RBD), which offers no landing fees, thereby making more room for commercial airline operations at Love Field.
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