Navigating the FAA Shutdown: Why Outlier Jets Members Stay Ahead

As the United States enters the peak holiday travel season, the aviation system faces a rare convergence of record-high demand and federal disruption. The ongoing government shutdown has forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take emergency measures that are reverberating across both commercial and private aviation.

While every operator feels the strain, this moment underscores the resilience of private aviation and the importance of flying with an organization dedicated to flexibility, foresight, and care.

The Current Situation: FAA Actions and Airspace Limitations

On November 7, 2025, the FAA issued an Emergency Order Establishing Operating Limitations on the Use of Navigable Airspace, citing reduced staffing and the need to preserve safety margins.

To accommodate reduced ATC services, no later than 6:00 a.m. EST on November 14, 2025, each air carrier at High-Impact Airports must reduce by 10 percent its total daily operations between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

— Federal Aviation Administration, Emergency Order 11-6-25

The phased reduction, beginning at 4% and scaling to 10%, affects 40 major airports, including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. Additionally, 12 airports (including JFK, LAX, BOS, DFW, and ATL) have temporarily suspended general-aviation flights through December 31 to maintain safety and flow control.

By the Numbers: A System Under Pressure

• Since October 1, more than 3.2 million airline passengers have faced FAA-related delays or cancellations.
• Over 8,600 flights were delayed on Sunday and 2,700 more on Monday alone as controller absences climbed.
• 19 of the 30 largest ATC facilities operate at less than 85% of recommended staffing.

Despite the strain, America’s air-traffic controllers continue to serve without pay, preserving the integrity of the national airspace under extraordinary pressure.

Since the beginning of the shutdown, controllers have been working without pay, and staffing triggers … have been increasing.

— FAA Statement, November 2025

They remain, in every sense, essential.

Which Airports Are Currently Closed to Private Jet Traffic

As of publication, the FAA has temporarily suspended most general-aviation operations through December 31, 2025, at these 12 major U.S. airports:

• Boston Logan (KBOS)
• Chicago O’Hare (KORD)
• Dallas Fort Worth (KDFW)
• Denver International (KDEN)
• George Bush Intercontinental (KIAH)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (KATL)
• John F. Kennedy International (KJFK)
• Los Angeles International (KLAX)
• Newark Liberty (KEWR)
• Phoenix Sky Harbour (KPHX)
• Reagan National (KDCA)
• Seattle-Tacoma (KSEA)

Outlier routinely redirects Members through nearby executive or regional airports when these restrictions apply.

Why the Outlier Jet Card Matters Now

1. Access to 5,000 Airports, Fewer Chokepoints: Outlier aircraft require only ~5,000 feet of runway to operate, opening access to more than 5,000 airports nationwide and avoiding major hub congestion
2. 30–80% Time Savings, Amplified During System Delays: Even under normal conditions, private aviation reduces total travel time by 30–80%. When FAA flow restrictions and staffing issues add hours to commercial trips, these savings multiply.
3. Your Schedule, Not Someone Else’s: Members set departure times that fit their own plans. Outlier adjusts around ATC flow programs and regional constraints with flexible routing and airport selection.
4. A Dedicated Member Experience Team Watching Every Flight: Each Outlier flight is monitored in real time for NOTAMs, weather, and ATC programs. Our team builds 2–4 contingency plans for every trip and provides guaranteed mechanical recovery, ensuring Members arrive as scheduled.

What Members Should Do Now

• Book early and target morning departures for greater slot availability.
• Stay flexible on airport choices, Outlier will recommend optimal alternatives.
• Leverage your Jet Card benefits for guaranteed access, recovery, and concierge-level communication.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: Can I still fly privately during the FAA shutdown?

Yes. While some major airports have paused general-aviation traffic, Outlier Jets can access over 5,000 alternative airports nationwide. Our Member Experience Team monitors NOTAMs and ATC programs to reroute when needed.

Q: Why are there delays even in private aviation?

ATC programs affect all aircraft. However, Outlier’s use of smaller airports and real-time planning minimizes exposure to national flow delays.

Q: Which airports are currently closed to private jet traffic?

As of November 2025, the FAA has suspended general aviation at 12 airports through December 31: Boston (KBOS), Chicago (KORD), Dallas (KDFW), Denver (KDEN), Houston (KIAH), Atlanta (KATL), New York JFK (KJFK), Los Angeles (KLAX), Newark (KEWR), Phoenix (KPHX), Washington DC (KDCA), and Seattle (KSEA).

Q: How does the Outlier Jet Card help during FAA disruptions?

It guarantees aircraft availability, flexible scheduling, and mechanical recovery. Because our fleet operates from shorter runways, we avoid congestion and reroute faster than larger operators.

Q: What can Members do to minimize potential delays?

Book early, aim for morning departures, and stay flexible. Our team maintains multiple contingency plans and communicates proactively to keep you informed.

Forward Looking

As we enter this challenging travel season, Outlier Jets remains committed to anticipating, adapting, and acting with precision. To the controllers, dispatchers, and FAA teams working without pay, thank you for your service to our industry and to safety.

Thank you for keeping our Members en route, safely, smoothly, and on time!

Fly Prepared. Fly Outlier.

Speak With Our Team Today