FAA Emergency Order Establishing Operating Limitations on the Use of Navigable Airspace
November 7, 2025
To whom it may concern,
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Emergency Order Establishing Operating Limitations on the Use of Navigable Airspace, effective November 7, 2025 (see attached for the full text of the Emergency Order). This order requires airlines to reduce scheduled domestic operations by 10 percent at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The goal is to relieve congestion and address ongoing air traffic control staffing and fatigue issues.
While no South Carolina airports are on the list of impacted airports, many of our commercial service airports offer nonstop flights to the affected hub airports. Based upon today’s data, impacted destinations could include:
- Charleston (CHS) — EWR (Newark); PHL (Philadelphia); SEA (Seattle–Tacoma); CLT (Charlotte).
- Columbia (CAE) — ATL (Atlanta); CLT (Charlotte); ORD (Chicago O’Hare); DFW (Dallas/Ft. Worth); MIA (Miami); LGA (LaGuardia — NYC); PHL (Philadelphia); IAD (Dulles/Washington).
- Greenville–Spartanburg (GSP) — ATL (Atlanta); PHL (Philadelphia).
- Myrtle Beach (MYR) — BOS (Boston Logan); DEN (Denver); MCO (Orlando); MSP (Minneapolis–St. Paul).
- Hilton Head (HXD) — CLT (Charlotte); PHL (Philadelphia); DCA (Reagan National); ORD (Chicago O’Hare); ATL (Atlanta).
- Florence (FLO) — CLT (Charlotte)
As airlines implement the required reductions at those hub airports, we may see fewer flight frequencies, altered connection options, or short-notice schedule adjustments impacting passengers traveling to or through these markets. While the FAA has not yet indicated how long the limitations will remain in effect, it is likely that they will continue throughout the government shutdown, and potentially after, until the impacts of the shutdown are resolved.
What Travelers Should Know:
- Check your airline’s website or mobile app frequently for schedule changes.
- Allow extra time for connections or potential re-routing through other hubs.
- If your itinerary includes one of the listed airports, consider confirming travel details at least 24 hours before departure.
- Airlines remain responsible for rebooking and customer communications related to schedule adjustments.
We will continue to monitor the implementation of the FAA’s Emergency Order and communicate any major updates that could affect South Carolina travelers or airport operations.
Gary
 | Gary W. Siegfried, PE Executive Director
|
Commission Vacancies
June 13, 2024
The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) mission is to foster air and economic development by overseeing the safety and development of the state's public use airports, by providing safe and reliable air transportation for state government and business prospects; and by providing aviation education opportunities.
The SCAC supports each of our programs under the direction of the Aeronautics Commissioners, each of which are appointed by their Legislative Delegations. These Commissioners are here to represent the airport needs throughout the state. Districts 3 and 6 expired on February 15th, 2025. The District 7 term was extended by proviso until June 30, 2025, but has also since expired. It is imperative that airports in these districts have representation.
District 3 airports include: Saluda County, Edgefield County, McCormick County, Anderson Regional, Oconee County, Newberry County, Greenwood County, Pickens County and Laurens County.
District 6 airports include: Hampton County, Ridgeland‐Claud Dean, Lake City, Holly Hill, St. George, Bamberg County‐Tobul Field, Allendale County, Charleston International, Williamsburg Regional, Jim Hamilton‐LB Owens, Santee Cooper Regional, Orangeburg Municipal, and Lowcountry Regional.
District 7 airports include: Branhams, Cheraw Muni Lynch Bellinger Field, Clio Crop Care, Conway‐Horry County, Darlington County Jetport, Florence Regional, Flying W, Georgetown County, Green Sea, Hartsville Regional, Huggins Memorial, Marion County, Marlboro County Jetport‐H.E. Avent Field, Myrtle Beach International, Grand Strand, Pageland, Robert F. Swinnie and Twin City.
Please help us fill these upcoming commission vacancies.
All Commission members must have a proven record of public and community service, and experience in the field of business and aviation. Additionally, each member must meet at least two of the following criteria:
1. General aviation experience
2. Airport of fixed based operator (FBO) management experience
3. Aviation service provider experience
4. Previous service as a state or regional airport commissioner
5. Legal experience
6. Active involvement in a recognized aviation association
If you meet the qualifications above and are interested in serving, or if you know of a good candidate, please contact me at (803) 896‐6262.
Sincerely,
Gary W. Siegfried, PE
Executive Director
South Carolina Aeronautics Commission