Congresswoman Luz Rivas Urges FAA to Ensure Air Safety Ahead of Global Sporting Events in LA Area

LOS ANGELES -Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) sent a letter urging Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to ensure the safety of travelers and workers at Hollywood Burbank, Van Nuys, and Whiteman Airports ahead of the Los Angeles area hosting global sporting events including the World Cup and the Olympics. This letter comes after National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy stated in a meeting that the next midair collision may occur at the Hollywood Burbank Airport and that "nobody at FAA is paying attention,"

"The Van Nuys, Whiteman, and Hollywood Burbank Airports all have flight paths over my Congressional District in the San Fernando Valley," wrote Congresswoman Rivas. "One error along any of these flight paths could result in a tragic outcome in the loss of life and property. It is the responsibility of the FAA to instill confidence in my constituents and the aviation industry and assure them that every possible tool is being used to ensure safety. It is imperative that the FAA use the best available science and methodology to ensure the safest aerospace system in the world."

Congresswoman Rivas continued: "With Los Angeles hosting several World Cup games this year and the Summer Olympics in 2028, it is important that urgent steps are taken to ensure the safety of everyone who will be traveling through Los Angeles area airports for these events."

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Background:

On January 27, 2026, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy stated in a meeting that airlines warned her that Hollywood Burbank Airport could be the next location of a midair collision. This meeting came after an investigation into the tragic midair collision that took place near Reagan National Airport on January 25, 2025.

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