NBAA Welcomes Removal of Shutdown Restrictions for General Aviation

Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, Nov. 16, 2025 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomes the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) removal of restrictions on access for general aviation, including business aviation, which have been in effect as a result of the federal government shutdown. 

The full removal of the restrictions will take effect at 6 a.m. EST, tomorrow, Nov. 17.  

“NBAA is pleased the shutdown restrictions have been lifted and that the entire general aviation industry, including business aviation, will be able to serve as a vital link in our nation’s transportation system, and a powerful engine for our economy,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are grateful to all who have worked to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation’s aviation system under extraordinary circumstances.”

On Nov. 9, restrictions were announced on all aviation operations, including general aviation operations, at 40 U.S. airports in response to the government shutdown and resulting funding disruptions and air traffic controller workforce shortages. More recently, further restrictions were announced that effectively prohibited business aviation operations at 12 of those airports, disproportionately impacting general aviation, an industry that creates more than a million jobs, generates $340 billion in economic impact and supports humanitarian flights every day. On Nov. 12, the agency issued an amended order freezing restrictions at 6% of reduced traffic, and has been gradually stepping down the restrictions since then.

NBAA and other industry organizations are calling on Congress to approve a full-year appropriations bill for the Department of Transportation, including the FAA, to protect the agency from a potential government shutdown next year. Additionally, as a long-term solution, aviation stakeholders are urging Congress to approve the Funding Stability Act of 2025, to allow the FAA to access the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to continue operating in the event of any future government closure. 

# # #

Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.

Members of the media may receive NBAA Press Releases immediately via email. To subscribe to the NBAA Press Release email list, submit the online form.