FAA Imposes Restrictions on Private Jet Travel Amid Government Shutdown

As of November 9, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has effectively halted private jet operations at 12 major U.S. airports due to ongoing air traffic controller shortages stemming from the government shutdown. This decision follows a previous directive that mandated a 10% reduction in flights at 40 busy airports, aimed at alleviating pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay since the shutdown began on October 1. The impacted airports include Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), and others.

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The restrictions have led to significant disruptions in air travel, with reports indicating over 4,500 commercial flights canceled and more than 17,000 delayed over the weekend preceding the new order. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has expressed concern that these limitations disproportionately affect general aviation, which supports over a million jobs and generates approximately $340 billion in economic impact annually.

CNBC

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the restrictions aim to reduce the burden on air traffic controllers, emphasizing that the priority is the traveling public. He noted that the profession is already understaffed, with 15 to 20 controllers retiring daily during the shutdown. Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the NBAA, criticized the restrictions, asserting that they are detrimental to an industry that plays a crucial role in humanitarian efforts and economic activity.

FAA halts nearly all private jet flights at 12 major airports

Critics, including California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, have called for a complete ban on private jet flights during the shutdown, arguing that the FAA should prioritize public travel over private aviation. Porter accused the Trump administration of favoring wealthy individuals using private jets, stating, "Private jet flights often take a single billionaire passenger, but still put real strain on our air traffic control system."

The Independent

While the FAA's restrictions are clear, there is ongoing debate about the adequacy of the measures taken to address the air traffic controller shortage. Some sources indicate that the situation could worsen if the shutdown continues, potentially leading to further flight reductions. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term implications for the aviation industry, particularly regarding the recruitment and training of new air traffic controllers.

CNBC

The Senate has taken steps toward ending the shutdown, with a vote on a funding bill that could restore normal operations. However, even if the government reopens, it may take time for air traffic controllers to return to work and for flight schedules to normalize. The aviation community is urging Congress to act swiftly to resolve the shutdown, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, which is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Newsweek

• “Safety is the cornerstone of business aviation, and NBAA is fully committed to ensuring the safety of the NAS,” — Ed Bolen, President and CEO, NBAA

CNBC

• “If this shutdown doesn’t end relatively soon, the consequence of that is going to be more controllers don’t come to work and then we’re going to have to continue to assess the pressure in the airspace and make decisions that may again move us from 10 percent to 15 percent, maybe to 20.” — Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

Newsweek

• “Just a thought… instead of reducing U.S. commercial flights, FAA should start by cancelling all billionaire and corporate private jet travel!” — Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

The Independent

• “Private jet flights often take a single billionaire passenger, but still put real strain on our air traffic control system,” — Katie Porter, California gubernatorial candidate

The Independent