The ongoing federal government shutdown continues to disrupt day-to-day aviation operations—delaying FAA responses, stretching certification timelines, and creating uncertainty around inspections, training/checking, and critical administrative processes. We understand the growing strain this is placing on your operations, staff, and customers.
Adding to these challenges, the DOT and FAA have announced plans to implement temporary reductions in National Airspace System (NAS) services, initially affecting 40 major airports nationwide. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the move is intended to ease pressure on air traffic controllers and maintain safety during the shutdown period. While safety remains the top priority, this decision will further limit capacity and contribute to delays, decreased revenue, and increase logistical complications for FBOs, part 135 carriers, and general aviation operators alike.
Impacts to National Airspace System Operations
– Part 121 and commuter or scheduled part 135 air carriers at the listed high impact airports are required to reduce daily domestic operations based on a rolling schedule:
– By 6:00 AM EST on November 7, 2025, by 4 percent;
– By 6:00 AM EST on November 11, 2025, by 6 percent;
– By 6:00 AM EST on November 13, 2025, by 8 percent; and,
– By 6:00 AM EST on November 14, 2025, and thereafter, by 10 percent.
– General aviation (GA) operations may also be limited by 10 percent at high impact airports, including TEB, HOU, and DAL.
– A dual Airspace Flow Program may be implemented for GA and commercial air traffic at high impact airports when staffing trigger reports occur.
– Administrator Bedford reserves the right to prevent disproportionate impacts to regional routes and EAS and can ensure properly distributed reductions based on activity at each airport.
– Operators violating the order may receive enforcement actions per flight operated above the limits.
– ATC is given authority to limit services for VFR aircraft at any FAA owned and operated facilities experiencing staffing shortages.
Read the full order here. NATA continues to analyze the order and will update you accordingly.
What NATA is Doing
– Advocating on your behalf so policy decisions do not overly restrict or hinder general aviation operations, affecting all system users equitably.
– Ensuring business aviation’s voice carries weight in Washington by engaging directly with DOT, FAA, and Congressional offices for a swift resolution to the shutdown.
– Standing with our aviation partners in urging an immediate end to the shutdown.
How You Can Help
Your real-world examples are vital in communicating the consequences of these decisions to policymakers. If you are experiencing delays or denials affecting pilot training/checking, aircraft additions to certificates, maintenance approvals, inspections, or other FAA services—or if the reduction in NAS services is creating new scheduling or routing challenges—please share brief specifics (what, where, and operational impact).
Submit input to the NATA team via jurban@nata.aero. We will keep submissions confidential and de-identify information before it is used in advocacy. Your feedback ensures that the challenges facing aviation businesses are clearly understood by policymakers and that the voice of our industry remains strong, informed, and heard.
The shutdown is placing unacceptable strain on the aviation workforce, disrupting safety oversight, and challenging the system that keeps America moving. Aviation is critical infrastructure—it is time for decisive action.