GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter - May 2026

 

Welcome to another edition of the GBTA Global Advocacy Newsletter — the monthly reminder that global business travel is held together by equal parts policy, caffeine, and collective optimism. As I was listening to songs, this one popped up, YES, I was a little punk with a spectacular mullet and was raised in part on Judas Priest, but the song brought to mind that nobody in charge really has control. How true is that for global business travel!! This month’s theme? Governments everywhere have officially moved from “we should really do something about this” to “we’re now writing 400 pages of regulations about it.” Across the U.S., Europe, and Canada, policymakers are busy reshaping the rules of travel while the rest of us are just trying to get through security lines, expense reports, and figuring out whether the charger, passport, and noise-canceling headphones all made it into the carry-on this time. In Washington, lawmakers are still debating issues like in-flight voice calls — proving that even in 2026, lawmakers are still dealing with issues like in-flight voice calls, that we thought had solved back in 2018 with an overwhelming vote! Can you imagine sitting next to someone in a plane hearing that terrifying “Can you hear me now” statement! Meanwhile, Europe continues its grand experiment of regulating absolutely everything connected to mobility, emissions, passenger rights, and probably eventually the emotional wellbeing of delayed travelers. And Canada is attempting something genuinely radical: making visa processing more predictable. Beneath the politics and acronyms, though, the stakes are real. Operational resilience, border efficiency, emissions transparency, traveler rights, and workforce stability are no longer abstract policy debates — they’re becoming daily realities that directly affect managed travel programs, budgets, and traveler experience. In other words: the rules are changing, the deadlines are approaching, and nobody can find the final version of the compromise text. As always, GBTA is in the middle of these conversations — advocating for practical solutions, fewer unintended consequences, and policies that acknowledge business travel is still essential to global commerce, even if governments occasionally seem surprised people still leave their homes for meetings. Inside this edition The Essentials Global Stage GBTA Advocacy in Action Washington Watch No Voice Calls on Planes After 76 days Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opens Congress to address surface infrastructure, road, bridges, trains oh my! European Horizon EU approves emissions counting standard Important step towards easier bookings and passenger protections EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) back for review Will Air Passenger rights get approved? Business travel exempt from AI reporting requirements Canada Compass New public tool to track Canadian Visitor Visa wait times Picture of the month 2025 Legislative Summit Attendees           The Essentials Do you want to be sitting on a plane next to someone on the phone making weekend plans? GBTA pushing Congress to finish what we thought was completed in 2018 EU companies have a globally recognized method for reporting emissions. Global programs should take note EU Air Passenger rights 13 years in the making. Entering a critical phase Global Stage Members of the Global Business Travel Association are helping shape the future of travel policy on both sides of the Atlantic, bringing the voice of business travel directly to policymakers in Washington and Brussels. From advocating for stronger aviation reliability and sustainable aviation fuel in the United States to influencing EU discussions on seamless mobility, rail integration, and emissions tracking, GBTA members are showing that industry engagement drives real results. European Union Last month, GBTA Europe members met in Brussels ahead of the launch of the Passenger Package to advocate for policies that support a more connected and sustainable travel ecosystem. Engagement with EU policymakers on sustainable aviation fuel “book-and-claim” systems and practical emissions reduction measures Advocacy for improved cross-border rail and multimodal travel across Europe Input on EU passenger rights, booking systems, and mobility policies impacting managed business travel U.S. In June, members attending the sold-out Legislative Summit will visit more than 150 Congressional offices across 31 states to advance these priorities Support for the bipartisan “Keep America Flying Act” to protect aviation operations and staffing during U.S. government shutdowns Advancing the bipartisan SAF Act to expand sustainable aviation fuel production and accelerate lower-carbon air travel Preserving a productive onboard passenger experience through proposed legislation restricting voice calls on commercial aircraft Why it matters: Together, these efforts send a powerful message: business travel is more than movement—it fuels economic growth, global connectivity, and opportunity. By sharing industry expertise, economic data, and practical solutions, GBTA members are helping policymakers build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable future for travelers worldwide. GBTA is also exploring new ways to expand member engagement in its advocacy efforts across all regions, reinforcing its role as the global voice of business travel with strong regional leadership.

Washington Watch  In- Flight Connectivity and Passenger Experience  Debate Grows Over In-Flight Phone Calls as Lawmakers Mull Ban  What’s new: (hanging on the telephone) U.S. policy continues to prohibit cellular in-flight voice calls on commercial aircraft, but the regulatory framework remains incomplete. While longstanding Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules restrict airborne cellular transmissions (47 C.F.R. § 22.925), cell phone calls over WiFi are not expressly prohibited by federal law or regulation.   Advances in onboard connectivity through Starlink and other internet providers are increasing pressure on policymakers to resolve the issue. International carriers such as British Airways have begun allowing voice and video calls over high-speed Wi-Fi, including on flights to and from the United States, highlighting the growing divergence in airline policies.  In 2018, at GBTA’s behest, Congress directed the Department of Transportation to issue regulations banning passenger voice communications on flights. However, despite this directive, the Department has not finalized implementing regulations, leaving a gap between statutory intent and enforceable federal rules.   This combination of evolving technology and incomplete rulemaking has renewed congressional interest in legislation that would compel regulatory action and establish a uniform federal standard to prevent calls while in flight.     Why it matters: GBTA supports a nationwide ban on in-flight voice calls and is urging the Department of Transportation to act. A clear federal rule would protect a consistent passenger experience, reduce cabin disruptions, support productivity, and give airlines and travelers one standard as onboard connectivity expands.  A uniform ban would help maintain a quieter cabin, reduce confusion across carriers, and set clear expectations for passengers and airlines.  DHS Shutdown Ends After Historic Disruption   Congress Reopens DHS After 76-Day Shutdown    What’s new: (But can fix a drink) The longest shutdown of a federal department in U.S. history came to an end on April 30 after Congress passed, and the President signed, legislation to fund most Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations following weeks of unnecessary gridlock.   The 76-day lapse in funding — which began on February 14 — disrupted core operations across DHS, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as agencies struggled to maintain staffing and services without appropriations.   Key developments during the shutdown included:  Mid-February: DHS funding expires, triggering shutdown conditions across the department.   March: TSA staffing shortages intensify as employees work without pay, driving absenteeism and multi-hour security lines at major airports.   March 27: The President signs an executive order directing DHS to use existing funds to pay TSA employees amid mounting disruptions.   April 30: Congress reaches a breakthrough agreement to fund most of DHS, ending the shutdown after 76 days.   Even with the President’s executive action, TSA attrition surged during the shutdown, with more than 1,000 screeners and others reportedly leaving their positions and forcing airports nationwide to operate with reduced staffing.     Why it matters: GBTA is pressing Congress to shield critical travel functions from future shutdowns, including through the Keep America Flying Act (S. 3031 / H.R. 5851), which would keep TSA, the FAA, and related operations running. For business travelers, the shutdown meant longer lines, less predictability, and weaker airport operations. The fallout may continue as TSA works through staffing losses and morale challenges.   Congress Faces September Deadline to Reauthorize Surface Transportation Law  What’s new: (running out of time) The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which authorizes federal highway, transit, highway safety, and rail programs, is set to expire on September 30, 2026. The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee met on Thursday, May 21, and marked up the BUILD America 250 (Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America's 250th) Act.  Following a 14-hour markup, the Committee approved the BUILD America 250 Act on a bipartisan vote.  The bill is a five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that focuses heavily on our nation's roads, bridges, transit, rail, highway and motor carrier safety programs.    In the Senate, the Environment and Public Works Committee, chaired by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) with Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), is leading the highway title and has held a bipartisan series of hearings since early 2025 to shape the bill. The Banking, Commerce, and Finance Committees hold partial jurisdiction over transit, safety and freight, and funding issues, respectively.   The major issue remains funding. The Highway Trust Fund (HTF), the primary source of federal surface transportation dollars, faces a projected $166 billion shortfall over a standard five-year reauthorization, and the Congressional Budget Office projects the fund's balance will approach zero in FY2028. Congress has not raised the federal gas tax since 1993, and the relevant committees in Congress will need to agree on a sustainable funding path, which could include additional user fees, changes to the gas tax, or other measures. Stakeholders widely expect Congress will need a short-term extension to avoid a lapse on October 1, 2026.  For its part, the House T&I Committee included fees on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the BUILD America 250 Act to ensure all road users contribute to maintaining our nation's infrastructure.  GBTA is urging Congress to preserve strong transportation funding and deliver a stable, long-term solution for the Highway Trust Fund. A timely multi-year bill, rather than repeated short-term extensions, would give states, transit agencies, and the travel industry the certainty needed to plan and deliver projects.  ​​​​ Why it matters: Federal surface transportation policy directly affects business travel, from airport access and transit links to highways and intercity rail. Reliable funding reduces trip uncertainty, strengthens first- and last-mile connections, and supports the infrastructure that keeps travelers, meetings, and events moving.

European Horizon GBTA engagement in Brussels EU Approves New Transport Emissions Standard What’s new: (plastic beach) On 29 April, GBTA welcomed the European Parliament’s final approval of the CountEmissionsEU Regulation, which creates a common EU methodology for calculating emissions from transport services, including air and ground transport. The framework will help companies compare emissions data across providers and transport modes more consistently. GBTA pointed to its 2025 global benchmark, which found that 70% of companies track carbon emissions from employee travel programmes and 60% include sustainability features in corporate booking tools. It also mentioned that current emissions accounting remains fragmented, with companies using different methods to collect and calculate data. A single EU methodology should make business travel emissions easier to compare and improve transparency across the sector. After hearing directly from European members in 2021, GBTA began advocating for the establishment of such a methodology and is currently encouraging the EU, Canada and the U.S to work with international partners on a global standard for transport emissions accounting, given the cross-border nature of business travel. What’s next: GBTA will continue to push for alignment beyond Europe so that transport emissions are calculated consistently across markets, not just within the EU. As Suzanne Neufang, Chief Executive Officer, GBTA, has underlined, the new framework should be seen as a first step toward a global methodology for transport emissions accounting.   Why it matters: Better access to transport tickets would support more efficient trip planning, stronger competition, and clearer comparisons between travel options. For business travellers, it can make rail and multimodal journeys much easier to choose. Companies will also have information on emissions available at the point of sale, facilitating their efforts to reduce emissions. GBTA has long called for better access to cross-border rail and multimodal trips as well as more information on greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. This package is a step in the right direction. The proposals now need to go through the usual EU legislative process, with the European Parliament and Council both having a say on their final shape. GBTA is asking EU legislators to ensure the final rules are practical for business travel, support competition and improve choice, transparency and traveller confidence across Europe.   Europe updates EU Commission signals tougher carbon pricing for international flights What’s new: (airplanes) A European Commission official confirmed on 12 May that the EU executive intends to press ahead with plans to extend the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to departing international flights as part of its upcoming review of the system. At present, ETS applies mainly to flights within Europe, while extra-European routes are covered through the UN’s CORSIA offsetting scheme. The Commission’s position suggests it wants a stronger carbon price signal to cover a larger share of aviation emissions, including on routes outside the EU. The proposal is expected next July.   Why it matters: The ETS extension would increase pressure on carriers to absorb or pass through higher carbon costs, while also raising the risk of political friction with non-EU partners, especially the United States. For business travellers, an extension of ETS could create different regional systems for carbon pricing, fragmenting a sector that is global by nature.   Air passenger rights negotiations enter final phase What’s new: (passenger) On 20 April, the European Parliament and EU Council opened formal “conciliation” on the Air Passenger Rights Regulation (see Parliament explanatory note). This final stage gives negotiators eight weeks to reach agreement; otherwise, the revision fails and current rules stay in place. The two sides remain far apart, with Council closer to airlines’ position and Parliament more passenger-friendly. At its first meeting, the conciliation committee reviewed the main unresolved issues, including compensation thresholds, prefilled claim forms, the scope of the Regulation, extraordinary circumstances and hand luggage. Further talks are set for 19 May and 2 June, with 2 June intended as the key decision point, though a deal is still uncertain. Negotiators also reached a technical agreement on a prefilled compensation form to be sent within 48 hours of a delay or cancellation. The Commission has prepared a tool to assess the cost of compromise options for airlines. The main political dispute remains the delay threshold for compensation. Parliament wants compensation after three hours, while Council favors four to six hours. A possible compromise could involve keeping current thresholds but lowering compensation amounts, though it is unclear whether Parliament would accept that trade-off. The fuel crisis is also affecting the debate. On 21 April, Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated that cancellations driven by high kerosene prices are not extraordinary circumstances and still trigger compensation. Only an actual fuel shortage, if proven by the airline, could qualify differently. The Commission said it would issue guidance to align interpretation. The Financial Times reported that airlines are using the fuel-price crisis to press for temporary relief from rules they oppose, including baggage, compensation, environmental and slot requirements. Brussels appears reluctant to reopen aviation law, though temporary flexibilities could be considered if conditions worsen.   Why it matters: The revision will directly affect disruption management, duty of care, reimbursement workflows and ticket cost predictability for business travel. Business travel managers should keep engagement focused on clear rules, fast claims processing, workable treatment of extraordinary circumstances and protection of corporate travellers during cancellations.   A1 certificate deal moves closer to cutting red tape for short cross-border business trips What’s new: (I want to break free) On 27 April, the EU Council endorsed a provisional deal reached between the European Parliament and Council on the Social Security Coordination Regulation. This includes an exemption from the long-discussed A1 form for short-term cross-border business travel. The A1 form is the document used to confirm which country’s social security rules apply when someone works temporarily in another EU Member State. It was originally designed for posted workers, especially in sectors such as construction, but in practice it has also been required for routine cross-border business trips, even for short stays and even if enforcement has been uneven. Business and industry groups have long argued that this is out of step with modern business mobility. The latest political breakthrough points to an exemption for standard short-term business trips, marking a major shift in a file that has been on the table since 2016 and has gone through years of difficult trilogue negotiations. The provisional agreement is expected to go through formal endorsement in the coming months before the revised rules enter into force. Attention will then shift to implementation across Member States.   Why it matters: Business travel managers should prepare for a reduction in A1 form administration for routine short-term cross-border business trips in the EU. The agreement is an important success for the sector that has been advocating for the removal of this administrative hurdle for years. The new regulation still needs to go through formal approval before it effectively applies. This could take several months given translation requirements.

Canada Compass Canada’s Visa Shake-Up: A Push for Faster, More Predictable Travel What’s new: (roam) Canada’s tourism sector is calling for reforms to improve the reliability and predictability of visitor visa processing amid ongoing concerns about delays and inconsistent timelines for international travelers. Key recommendations include: Expanding electronic travel authorization (eTA) eligibility to additional low-risk countries; Meeting published visitor visa processing standards so travelers and companies can plan with confidence; and Increasing staffing and resources during surge periods, including processing capacity, biometrics appointments, and applicant support. A new public visa processing tracker is also bringing greater visibility to current wait times and system performance.   Why it matters: Unpredictable visa processing can disrupt business travel planning, delay meetings and events, and create uncertainty for multinational organizations moving employees and clients into Canada. More consistent processing standards and expanded eTA access could reduce administrative burdens, improve traveler confidence, and support smoother cross-border business travel.   Deep Thoughts: Senate Republicans are once again discovering that “unity” has a budget ceiling, expressing mild concern over White House ideas that pair a ballroom security price tag with a “1776 fund”. I wonder if they’re accidentally channeling SAGA-level drama. 2026 GBTA Legislative Summit Sponsors Tags: GBTA