Shutdown-related flight restrictions lifted for GA, airlines

The order, which went into effect on November 7, required airlines to cancel an increasing number of flights at affected airports. However, subsequent revisions and the end of the government shutdown on November 12 limited those cuts to 6 percent instead of the original 10 percent.

With the cancellation, all traffic limitations on GA at the same 40 airports have been removed, along with the prohibition on transient GA operations at 12 of those airports. The agency also withdrew a provision that could have suspended services for VFR aircraft at FAA-run facilities without adequate staffing.

“We will continue to ensure all operations, commercial and GA, are treated fairly and that our aviation system is not impacted by government shutdowns in the future,” said AOPA President Darren Pleasance. “We also look forward to continuing our work to support the hiring and training of additional air traffic controllers and modernizing our nation’s air traffic control system.

“We also appreciate the efforts of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford—in addition to all of the air traffic controllers who worked every day, and without pay—to ensure our airspace remained safe during the shutdown,” added Pleasance.