The aviation-exclusive top-level domain (TLD) .aero is set to change hands after more than two decades under SITA\'s management.

SITA, the organization that has operated .aero since its launch in 2002, recently informed partners of its plans to transfer stewardship to a new, yet-to-be-named operator. The move is still pending approval from ICANN, the internet’s domain name regulatory authority.

Background on .Aero

• .aero was among the earliest sponsored TLDs, introduced alongside domains like .museum and .coop as part of an early 2000s expansion of the domain name system.

• It is restricted to verified members of the aviation industry, with registrants required to obtain a special ID from SITA.

• As of January 2025, the TLD had 13,422 registered domains.

• 101Domain is the leading registrar for .aero, managing about 4,472 domains.

Recent Controversy

Last year, .aero faced political backlash after suspending registrations for Russian entities amid geopolitical tensions, a move that drew criticism from Russian organizations in the aviation sector.

What’s Next

While SITA hasn’t revealed the identity of the new operator, the transition suggests potential changes for the domain’s policies, pricing, or verification processes once finalized. The transfer marks a significant moment for one of the internet’s most specialized TLDs, originally designed to serve the unique needs of the global aviation community.