Last week, NATA welcomed the end of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, restoring full funding to the Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation FAA, TSA, CBP, and other agencies. Congressional passage of temporary appropriations through January 30, 2026, brought much-needed relief to safety-critical federal employees who had worked without pay, as well as aviation businesses, operators, and their customers who managed significant uncertainty and disruptions.
“The shutdown created real challenges for aviation businesses and the FAA and TSA professionals who serve them,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “We welcome the reopening of government functions and the steady restoration of full FAA and TSA operations, which are critical to the safety, security, efficiency, and growth of our industry.”
Throughout the shutdown, NATA worked closely with federal partners and industry coalitions to advocate for measures that prioritized safety, minimized operational impacts, and protected the vitality of general and business aviation.
“NATA and its members stood in solidarity with the thousands of dedicated public servants who were furloughed or faced uncertainty during this period,” Castagna added. “Their commitment to safety and service, even under strained circumstances, reflects the professionalism that defines our nation’s aviation community.”