LEGISLATION WOULD PRIORITIZE COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS OVER PRIVATE DURING FUTURE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
December 29, 2025
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On November 10, 2025, Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) introduced the Fair Aviation in Restrictions and Emergencies Act which would require the FAA to first limit private air travel during a government shutdown before commercial flights can be restricted. Said differently, the Act would halt private flights before the FAA can restrict commercial flights because several U.S. lawmakers contend that it is unfair for commercial passengers to experience widespread flight restrictions during a shutdown while private flights, often transporting wealthy and well-connected passengers, are largely unaffected. While the Act includes statutory exceptions for public safety, government operations, medical flights, and other essential missions, there is a strong appetite on Capitol Hill to insulate commercial flights from shutdown-related difficulties which could mean private air travel taking a backseat to commercial operations.
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