The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed new regulations enabling commercial supersonic aircraft to fly over US cities if they meet strict noise limits designed to minimize the disruptive effects of sonic booms.
- FAA proposes noise-based certification for supersonic flights overland
- New standard targets sonic boom overpressure below 0.11 pounds/sq ft
- Congress advances related Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act
What happened
On June 30, 2026, the FAA put forward a rule to allow commercial supersonic flights over US cities, overturning a longstanding ban in place since 1973. The new rule proposes replacing the blanket prohibition with a noise-based certification standard that requires any sonic boom overpressure at ground level to stay below 0.11 pounds per square foot.
This proposed noise threshold is informed by recent test flights of quiet supersonic technology, notably by Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 aircraft, which uses atmospheric conditions and altitude to refract sonic booms upwards and away from populated areas. This approach contrasts sharply with the Concorde’s sonic booms, which created significantly higher overpressure during flight.
Why it matters
The FAA’s proposal marks a pivotal shift in US aviation policy, potentially reopening the market for commercial supersonic air travel after more than five decades. Quiet supersonic flights could dramatically reduce travel times while mitigating the noise pollution issues that once grounded projects like the Concorde.
However, experts and environmental groups question whether the proposed overpressure metric accurately reflects human annoyance and sound perception, with critics arguing the standard may be too lenient. Meanwhile, Congress is acting to codify supersonic flight allowances through the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, which requires flights to produce no sonic boom detectable on the ground.
What to watch next
The FAA will refine its proposed noise standards based on public and industry feedback before aiming to finalize the rules by mid-2027. Later in 2026, the agency plans to release additional regulations focused on noise standards for supersonic aircraft during takeoff and landing phases.
Industry stakeholders, including startups like Boom Supersonic and NASA’s Lockheed Martin X-59 test program, will play critical roles in demonstrating practical quiet supersonic flight capabilities. Congressional actions and community acceptance of sonic thump-level noise will also be key factors influencing whether commercial supersonic travel returns sustainably over US cities.