Updated Nov. 17, 2025
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. Later, further restrictions were implemnted 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.
On Nov. 17, the full removal of the restrictions took effect at 6 a.m. EST.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.