FAA Suspends Private Jet Flights at 12 Major Airports
Beginning at midnight on November 9, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is suspending all private jet flights at twelve key airports across the United States. This decision comes amidst a government shutdown affecting air traffic controllers, leading to staffing shortages and operational challenges.
Details of the FAA Suspension
The FAA’s new order allows exceptions for based aircraft, emergency services, medical transport, law enforcement, firefighting, and military operations. Authorization from the FAA is required for other types of private jet operations.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) reported that business aircraft operators should expect more delays and restrictions at any of the 40 airports impacted by the recent emergency order, which already faced controller staffing issues.
Airports Affected by the Suspension
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
These airports serve as major hubs for connecting private flights with scheduled international airline services. The FAA has communicated these restrictions through NOTAMs at each affected location.
Industry Response to the Flight Suspension
Private jet operators are already experiencing heightened demand and delays due to the ongoing government shutdown. Dan Drohan, CEO of Solairus Aviation, noted on LinkedIn that complications persisted over the weekend, with expectations for worsening conditions on the following day.
Calls for Broader Restrictions
Organizations such as the Patriotic Millionaires and California political candidate Katie Porter are advocating for an outright ban on all private jet flights during the shutdown. In contrast, NBAA CEO Ed Bolen emphasized the significant economic impact of general aviation, which supports over a million jobs and generates approximately $340 billion annually.
The situation remains fluid as the U.S. Senate continues discussions regarding the government shutdown. The outcome will likely influence the extent and duration of these FAA restrictions on private jet operations.
