US Senate approves legislation to address pilot, air traffic control mental health issues
25/09/2026 15:44
US Senate approves legislation to address pilot, air traffic control mental health issues WASHINGTON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - The US Senate approved bipartisan legislation to modernize regulations on mental health guidance for pilots and air traffic controllers to encourage early disclosure and treatment.
Commercial airline pilots often conceal mental health conditions for fear that disclosing therapy or medication, or even just seeking help, could mean having their license pulled, putting themselves and their passengers at risk.
The legislation, sponsored by Senators John Hoeven and Tammy Duckworth, aims to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek mental health care, when needed, while reducing the stigma.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Porter)
((David.Shepardson@thomsonreuters.com; 2028988324;))
Recent news on Southwest Airlines
See all newsSouthwest Airlines Co reports results for the quarter ended September 30 - Earnings Summary
Southwest Airlines rises after quarterly earnings beat
Southwest Airlines cuts profit forecast as fuel costs overshadow turnaround gains (updated)
Southwest Airlines beats Q3 profit expectations on record passenger revenue
Southwest Airlines cuts 2026 profit forecast as fuel costs spike