June 27, 2025
General Aviation Associations Welcome Delay of Landing Fees at Van Nuys Airport
In a recent decision, the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Board of Airport Commissioners has postponed the vote on implementing landing fees at Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and five other general aviation associations have expressed their support for this pause, as it allows for constructive discussions among stakeholders.
Board President Karim Webb stated that the landing fee decision will be deferred to a future meeting to allow for further dialogue with the Van Nuys aviation community and other stakeholders. This decision was welcomed by Alex Gertsen, CAM, NBAA senior director of airport advocacy and vertical infrastructure, who appreciated the board’s recognition that developing a comprehensive landing fee methodology requires time and collaboration.
While NBAA does not inherently oppose landing fees, they believe that these fees must be reasonable and equitable. Additionally, they must be based on adequate methodology and data and adopted with sufficient input from stakeholders. Otherwise, they could negatively impact an airport’s accessibility and viability.
In a joint letter to the board on June 4, six aviation groups, including NBAA, urged the delay of the proposed landing fees. They raised concerns about oversights and uncertainties in the public record. The full letter can be read on the board’s website.
LAWA, which also oversees Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), had proposed a first-ever landing fee for VNY of $9. 65 per 1,000 lbs. maximum gross landing weight. This was supposedly to cover maintenance and infrastructure costs. However, the proposed fee is 50% higher for general aviation at VNY than at LAX. This could hinder VNY’s role as a reliever airport for congestion at LAX.
The aviation groups also pointed out that LAWA’s FY2026 budget would terminate the “reliever fee” currently assessed to air carriers at LAX. This fee provides additional revenue for VNY to fulfill its role as a reliever airport. The groups expressed concern that this could negatively impact the local aviation community, as VNY is crucial for flight training and proficiency.
The groups also questioned how LAWA arrived at the $7. 5 million revenue target to be raised through landing fees, as there was no substantiation provided. They emphasized that this fee would serve as an access restriction for light general aviation at a time when they are already facing restrictions at other area airports, such as Zamperini Field (TOA) in Torrance, CA.
In conclusion, the delay of the landing fee decision at VNY has been welcomed by the general aviation community. This allows for further collaboration and discussion to ensure that any landing fees implemented are fair and reasonable for all stakeholders involved.