Is it a violation of the federal grant agreement for an airport authority to prohibit a second car rental agency on the airport?

The assertion that it is not a violation of the federal grant agreement if an airport authority prohibits a second car rental agency is based on the understanding that certain activities at an airport may not fall under the purview of federal grant agreements, particularly if they are not classified as aeronautical activities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the use of federal grants, and these grants often focus on ensuring the availability of aeronautical services and maintaining open access to navigation and safety.

In this context, car rental services at an airport are generally seen as non-aeronautical activities. While the FAA encourages fair competition for aeronautical services, it does allow airport authorities some autonomy to regulate non-aeronautical services, such as car rentals, based on the specific needs and strategic decisions of the airport. Therefore, if the existing car rental operation is deemed sufficient to meet the demands of airport users, the authority may justify its decision to limit competition among car rental services without violating grant agreement stipulations related to aeronautical activity.

Thus, the understanding of car rental services as non-aeronautical activities aligns with the current federal framework, making it clear that the prohibition of a second rental agency at the airport does not necessarily violate federal grant agreements