After a more than a week of mandatory flight reductions and restrictions on airport access, NATA welcomed the resumption of normal operations throughout the National Airspace System yesterday. Citing a steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities, the FAA cancelled an Emergency Order that had reduced flights at 40 high impact airports and prohibited most general aviation operations at 12 of the largest airports.
First issued November 7th in response to air traffic control pressures caused by the federal government shutdown, the Emergency Order’s impact extended beyond the specified airports as delays, rerouting, and diversions mounted across the country—affecting both general aviation operators and aviation businesses on the ground. NATA members worked collaboratively with the FAA to comply with restrictions, while the Association advocated for the safe resumption of general aviation operations.
“Our members’ adaptability and professionalism once again underscored the indispensable role of the aviation business community in sustaining our national airspace system,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “This experience also underscored what we’ve long known—air charter and general aviation operations place minimal strain on major airports and the air traffic control system.”
We recognize the operational uncertainty the government shutdown and related restrictions created for your businesses, employees, and customers. NATA will continue working with policymakers and industry partners to support a smooth transition back to normal operations and to advocate for long-term solutions that protect the resilience and reliability of our aviation infrastructure. We heard from FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau during today’s Aviation Business Conference in Dallas, where these important conversations continued.