The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) held a webinar on November 6, 2025, to discuss the recent emergency order issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is expected to decrease air traffic by up to 10% at over 40 major airports across the United States. The order affects key airline hubs and several airports with significant general aviation activity, including Teterboro (TEB), Dallas Love Field (DAL), and Houston Hobby (HOU).
According to NBAA Vice President Heidi Williams, while business aircraft have a minimal presence at most impacted facilities, operators will feel the effects through expected delays and operational constraints. She emphasized the shared use of routes and airspaces that may lead to indirect impacts even at satellites and smaller airports. Pilots are advised to utilize resources such as nasstatus.faa.gov/list and fly.faa.gov/ois to stay informed on current airport and airspace statuses.
“We are sharing a finite resource, especially when you operate in and out of a Metroplex environment,”
Heidi Williams stated. She also noted that the FAA’s order limits some operations, including commercial space activities, which are restricted to overnight hours starting November 10, until the government shutdown concludes.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford expressed concern about controller stress and fatigue, with DOT Secretary Sean Duffy assessing safety risks associated with controllers working unpaid during the shutdown. NBAA President Kristie Greco Johnson commended air traffic controllers for their dedication under challenging conditions, emphasizing NBAA’s support for their safety and well-being. Williams described the situation as “an ongoing pressure test,” urging patience among flight crews as the system adapts to staffing challenges and operational limitations.
The webinar highlighted the importance of understanding the current operational environment and planning flights accordingly amidst limited staffing and procedural changes affected by the shutdown and new management measures.
