NATA Comments on End of U.S. Government Shutdown

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has released a statement on the end of the shutdown of the U.S. federal government, welcoming the reopening of the government and key departments.

NATA looks forward to the full restoration of operations for departments like:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Other agencies

Congress has also approved temporary funding through January 30, 2026, which will provide relief to employees who have continued working throughout the shutdown with no pay. This includes:

• Safety-critical federal employees
• Aviation businesses
• Aircraft operators

“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.”

NATA collaborated with federal partners and industry coalitions throughout the shutdown to call for measures that:

• Prioritized safety
• Reduced operational impacts
• Protected the general and business aviation sector

“NATA and its members stood in solidarity with the thousands of dedicated public servants and contractors 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.”

On November 6, 2025, the FAA issued an Emergency Order reducing airline and scheduled charter flight operations at 40 high-impact airports.

On November 9, 2025, the agency issued NOTAMs restricting general aviation operations at 12 airports. Collaborating with the FAA, NATA members worked to comply with restrictions that the FAA hoped would alleviate air traffic control staffing triggers.

“Our members’ adaptability and professionalism once again underscored the indispensable role of the aviation business community in sustaining our national airspace system,” said Castagna, “This experience also underscored what we’ve long known—air charter and general aviation operations place minimal strain on major airports and the air traffic control system.”

As the U.S. government shutdown ends, NATA is focused on:

• Securing predictable funding
• Strengthening system resiliency
• Enhancing continuity of essential aviation services

“Air charter operators and aviation businesses at over 5,000 public airports provide vital flexibility and connectivity that strengthens the broader air transportation network, especially in times of disruption,” said Castagna.

NATA also urges Congress to pass full-year transportation appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as legislation to secure funding stability for aviation safety and security functions.

“Our nation’s critical air traffic control and transportation security functions should no longer be subject to dangerous government shutdowns. NATA will continue to advocate for long-term stability and policies that keep aviation safe, secure, efficient and strong,” said Castagna.