AOPA Decries ‘Blanket Exclusion’ of General Aviation Operations

AOPA Decries ‘Blanket Exclusion’ of Genav Operations

Government shutdown has led to FAA restrictions on airport access

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

November 11, 2025

In response to the FAA’s prohibition of general aviation (GA) and nonscheduled commercial operations at 12 busy U.S. airports, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) president and CEO Darren Pleasance warned that “access must remain fair and consistent for all users.” The U.S. is unique in that federally funded airports’ grant assurances prohibit airports from restricting access by any users, including airlines, business aviation, light aircraft, and air charter operations.

However, in a series of notams issued on Sunday evening, the FAA prohibited GA and air charter operations at 12 airports until December 31 “as a result of the operational cutbacks during the ongoing government shutdown,” according to AOPA. These 12 airports are included in the list of 40 airports affected by the FAA’s emergency order issued on November 6, reducing operations gradually until a reduction of 10% is achieved by this coming Friday.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.