NATA Statement on the End of the Federal Government Shutdown

NATA (the National Air Transportation Association) welcomed the end of the federal government shutdown and the forthcoming restoration of full operations across the Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies. Congressional passage of temporary funding through January 30, 2026, brings much-needed relief to safety-critical federal employees who have worked without pay, as well as aviation businesses, operators, and their customers who have managed significant uncertainty and endured recent disruptions.

“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.”

Throughout the shutdown, NATA worked closely with federal partners and industry coalitions to advocate for measures that prioritized safety, minimized operational impacts, and protected the vitality of general and business aviation.

“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.”

Last week, the FAA issued an Emergency Order mandating reduced airline and scheduled charter flight operations at 40 high impact airports, affecting both airline and scheduled air charter service. On Sunday, the agency issued NOTAMs restricting general aviation operations at 12 airports. NATA members worked with FAA to comply with restrictions, designed to 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 agencies work to fully resume normal functions, NATA remains focused on ensuring that lessons learned from this experience strengthen system resiliency, secure predictable funding, and improve continuity of essential aviation services. With President Donald Trump expected to sign the temporary funding measure as early as tonight, NATA’s focus now turns to the full restoration of general aviation operations.

“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 calls on 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.