AfA welcomes end of U.S. government shutdown and calls for urgent restoration of flight capacity

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has welcomed the end of the longest federal government shutdown in history, and urged policymakers to reverse flight capacity reductions that caused around 10,000 flights to be cancelled and widespread disruption across the air cargo sector.

AfA said the reopening of government must include immediate steps to reimburse the 1.4 million unpaid federal workers, increase flight capacity, resume export license processing, and restore the stability that businesses and supply chains need.

Speaking at the Air Cargo Americas conference in Miami, Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association said: “We now need a rapid return to predictable operations.

“Forwarders and their customers have endured weeks of uncertainty, strained service levels, and reduced airport capacity.

“Restoring full staffing and reversing the cuts in flight capacity is essential to keeping cargo moving, protecting economic activity, and ensuring that federal employees who kept working during the shutdown are paid promptly.”

AfA said the escalating reductions in flight capacity highlighted the fragility of the system and the risks posed when key agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), operate with reduced resources.

Fried also called for clear communication on the timeline for reinstating full capacity, noting that forwarders require dependable schedules to meet customer commitments and maintain supply chain integrity.

AfA will continue to work with its members and federal partners to support a stable operating environment and thanks TSA operatives for their dedication throughout the shutdown.