FAA restricts general aviation operations at select US airports An overview of active FAA airport restrictions and exceptions. On Nov. 9, the FAA issued NOTAMs closing 12 airports across the United States to all general aviation and nonscheduled aircraft, except for based aircraft and approved emergency, medical, law enforcement, firefighting, military, or Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC)–authorized operations. Active NOTAMs are in place at the following Class B airports: • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD) • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW) • Denver International Airport (KDEN) • General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (KBOS) • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH) • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL) • John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) • Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) • Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX) • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) Each NOTAM states that affected airports are “closed to GA aircraft and non-scheduled aircraft, except based aircraft, emergency, medical, law enforcement, firefighting, and military operations, or unless authorized by ATCSCC AT 540-422-4100/4101.” Closures are effective Nov. 10, 2025, (UTC-5), through Dec. 31, 2025, unless canceled earlier or extended as operational needs require. All operators must check NOTAMs before flight or contact Flight Service to confirm airport status. The ongoing federal shutdown has been a challenging time for all operators, and we appreciate everyone’s efforts to maintain safety and operational readiness under these difficult circumstances. As members of the Modern Skies Coalition, VAI urges Congress to swiftly end the government shutdown so the FAA can rescind the emergency order restricting operations.
