All private jet operations at 12 of the United States’ busiest airports have been effectively halted from 9 November, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduces new emergency restrictions linked to the ongoing government shutdown.
According to a notice circulated by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), only a limited number of flights will be exempt from the ban — including those involving based aircraft, emergency and medical services, law enforcement, firefighting, and military operations.
Other flights may proceed only with explicit FAA authorisation.
The NBAA warned operators to brace for “further delays and restrictions” across 40 airports affected by last week’s FAA emergency order or by limited controller staffing.
The airports where private jet operations will cease include:
- John F. Kennedy International, New York (JFK)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Newark Liberty International (EWR)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA)
- Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Denver International (DEN)
- Boston Logan International (BOS)
- George Bush Intercontinental, Houston (IAH)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
The restrictions, communicated via official NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions), are expected to cause widespread disruption for business aviation.
These airports are key hubs for connecting private flights with commercial services, both domestically and internationally.
The FAA’s decision comes as the US Senate prepares to vote on a bill to end the government shutdown, which has left air traffic controllers and other federal aviation staff unpaid since early October.
Earlier in the shutdown, the FAA had already ordered a reduction in flight operations at 40 major airports due to reduced staffing levels.
The new restrictions follow growing public criticism of private jet use during the crisis, with advocacy group Patriotic Millionaires and political figures, including California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, calling for an outright suspension of private flights until the shutdown is resolved.