Flight Attendants Urge Senate to Reject NDAA Safety Rollback Provision

Controversial Provision in Defense Bill Sparks Concerns Over Aviation Safety

In a significant legislative development, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes a contentious provision that has raised alarms regarding aviation safety. This move has been met with strong opposition from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), whose President, Sara Nelson, issued a critical statement highlighting potential risks posed by the legislation.

"People died this year. All 67 people onboard Flight 5342 – Flight Attendants, pilots, and passengers. Families are still grieving," stated Sara Nelson. The tragic crash of Flight 5342, which resulted in the loss of all 67 lives on board, remains a fresh wound for many, including flight attendants and other aviation professionals who continue to experience the trauma of the incident.

The NDAA's Section 373 has been particularly scrutinized for potentially undermining existing safety measures put in place after the January 29th crash. President Nelson emphasized, "Who is even asking for this? The NTSB and Chair Homendy are still investigating the tragic collision, and Section 373 of the NDAA is not only reckless and indefensible, but also a direct undermining of the NTSB’s safety guidance."

The current safety protocols, which were established as a response to the disaster, are deemed essential by many within the aviation industry. The AFA is urging lawmakers to rectify the NDAA immediately to prevent any future tragedies. "Air travel is the safest mode of transportation because we investigate and adapt in the wake of tragedy," Nelson remarked, calling for immediate Senate action to reject the provision.

The Association of Flight Attendants, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), continues to advocate for the flight attendant profession, representing over 55,000 members. More information about their initiatives can be found on their website.