Private Jet Demand Soars as US Government Shutdown Persists

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has triggered a notable surge in demand for private jet travel. As reported by CNBC, the CEO of Flexjet, a prominent private jet charter and fractional ownership company, disclosed that his firm has experienced a significant increase in last-minute bookings. This trend reflects a broader shift within the aviation industry, as the impact of the shutdown intensifies daily.

The current shutdown, which has lasted for 42 days, is the longest in U.S. history. Federal employees, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, are not receiving their paychecks. This situation has resulted in a rise in sick calls among workers, further aggravating delays and cancellations within the commercial airline sector. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has responded by cutting flight schedules, thereby increasing the appeal of private jet services.

Spike in Private Jet Bookings

Flexjet’s CEO, Andrew Collins, reported on the rising demand during an interview with CNBC. He noted that revenue hours for their leasing and fractional ownership division in 2025 have increased by 20% compared to the previous year. In the first week of November alone, bookings surged by 42% compared to the same period in 2024. Furthermore, the company’s charter division, FXAIR, witnessed a remarkable 56% increase in revenue hours in October 2025 compared to the same month last year.

Collins emphasized that customers are utilizing the aircraft more frequently, although he refrained from making definitive conclusions about the sustainability of this trend. Flexjet’s Sentient Jet unit, which offers jet cards, reported a 24% rise in booked revenue hours for the remainder of November compared to last year. The overall flight hours for Flexjet were up by 23% in October relative to 2024.

Impact of the Shutdown on the Aviation Industry

The ramifications of the government shutdown have been particularly severe for the aviation sector. With over 13,000 air traffic controllers currently working without pay, nearly half of the major air traffic control facilities across the country are understaffed. Initial disruptions were manageable, but as more controllers call in sick, the situation has escalated, leading to significant delays and cancellations.

For instance, Newark Liberty International Airport was forced to implement ground stops due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, resulting in over 120 flight cancellations. Similarly, Hollywood Burbank Airport experienced hours without any air traffic controllers on duty. The TSA, which is also classified as an essential service, has faced similar challenges, with increased absenteeism leading to longer and unpredictable security lines, causing further inconveniences for travelers.

The U.S. aviation infrastructure was already under strain before the shutdown, grappling with a shortage of qualified air traffic controllers. Frequent mandatory overtime and outdated equipment have made the system fragile. Consequently, the FAA has mandated a 4% reduction in flights at major airports, set to increase to 10% by November 17, 2025. These cuts are expected to affect airline revenues and disrupt travel plans for many.

While the FAA has restricted private jet flights by prohibiting non-scheduled operations at 12 major airports, the impact on private aviation is significantly less severe than on commercial flights. As a result, affluent travelers are increasingly opting for private jet services to avoid the chaos in commercial aviation caused by the shutdown.

The current situation underscores the delicate balance within the aviation industry, as external factors such as government actions can rapidly alter demand dynamics. The immediate rise in private jet bookings serves as a reflection of the challenges faced by the commercial airline sector and the adaptability of those with the means to seek alternative travel solutions.