DOT Restructures FAA to Enhance Safety

New streamlined safety management system and oversight office part of largest FAA overhaul in history

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:39pm

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The Department of Transportation has announced a major organizational overhaul of the Federal Aviation Administration, including the creation of a new office to implement a single safety management system and risk management strategy for the entire agency, as well as a new Aviation Safety Oversight and Certification Organization to resume the work of the former Aviation Safety Organization.

Why it matters

The FAA restructuring is aimed at improving aviation safety and oversight, especially as the agency works to integrate drones and other advanced technologies into the national airspace. It comes amid recent high-profile aviation incidents that have raised concerns about the FAA's ability to effectively manage the evolving aviation landscape.

The details

The reorganization will establish an office to oversee the integration of drones and other advanced aviation technologies, as well as an office to help manage the FAA's efforts to modernize air traffic control. The changes are supported by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and are not expected to result in any reductions in force.

  • The DOT announced the 'comprehensive reorganization' on January 26, 2026.
  • In December 2025, the FAA unveiled plans to establish a new air traffic control system by the end of 2028.

The players

Department of Transportation

The U.S. federal department responsible for policies and programs related to transportation.

Federal Aviation Administration

The agency within the Department of Transportation responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation in the United States.

Sean Duffy

The current Transportation Secretary, who has made modernizing air traffic control a priority.

Bryan Bedford

The current FAA Administrator, who said the reorganization will put 'permanent leaders in place who embrace innovation, share safety data and insights freely, and are focused on deploying a brand-new air traffic control system.'

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What they’re saying

“It's important that we have the right people in the right places to do the best work possible. These actions will put permanent leaders in place who embrace innovation, share safety data and insights freely, and are focused on deploying a brand-new air traffic control system, all while integrating key innovation technologies into the new National Airspace System.”

— Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator (DOT Press Release)

“Organizational change comes all while enhancing safety.”

— Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary (DOT Press Release)

What’s next

The FAA will work to establish the new Aviation Safety Oversight and Certification Organization and implement the single, streamlined safety management system by the end of 2028, in coordination with the deployment of the new air traffic control system.

The takeaway

The FAA restructuring represents a significant effort by the Department of Transportation to modernize the agency's safety oversight and management capabilities, as it works to integrate emerging aviation technologies like drones into the national airspace. The changes aim to improve aviation safety and oversight at a critical time for the industry.