The United States Federal Aviation Administration - FAA has banned most general aviation and non-scheduled traffic at 12 major airports as the effects of the ongoing government shutdown increasingly paralyse air traffic control across the country.

The restrictions will enter into force on November 10, 2025, at 0000L at each of the airports. The ban covers Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver International, Boston, Houston Intercontinental, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, New York JFK, Los Angeles International, New York Newark, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Washington National, and Seattle Tacoma International.

According to Notices to Air Mission (NOTAMs) issued for each of the respective airports, limited exceptions will cover based aircraft, emergencies, medical needs, firefighting, law enforcement flights, and military operations. The NOTAMs are tentatively valid until the end of the year, but could be cancelled when the shutdown ends.

All 12 airports are also included in the larger batch of 40 facilities affected by the FAA-mandated 10% overall capacity cut in effect since November 7.

The new restrictions come after Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy told CNN that the continuing shutdown will soon slow air traffic in the country to "a trickle", potentially impacting millions of travellers planning to fly during the busy Thanksgiving season. This year, the holiday is celebrated on November 27.