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emergency coronavirus closures and restrictions for U.S. flights

Emergency Coronavirus Closures and U.S., International Travel Restrictions

The coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate, with emergency closures and flight restrictions affecting commercial and private jet travel. While U.S. and international airports, as well as fixed based operators (FBOs), feel the effects, it’s important for businesses and private jet travelers to stay in constant contact with experienced and knowledgeable people, as the situation is fluid. In order to help our members and private jet charter customers stay healthy and safe, Magellan has compiled a list of emergency coronavirus closures and restrictions that we will update as new information becomes available.

Coronavirus Closures: List of U.S. and International Emergency Travel Restrictions

U.S. Shelter in place orders

Several states are instituting shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders. The list includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Many cities in other states have instituted similar orders as well.

Currently, 42 states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have active orders. Eight states have no orders, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Utah, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Midway international airport

According to the Daily Herald, 82% of flights were canceled at Chicago’s Midway as of March 19, due to a combination of weather issues and an air traffic control tower, which needed disinfecting after technicians tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to the brief coronavirus closures, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) placed restrictions on private jet travel. Only commercial flights and authorized aircraft may land and depart from the airport.

U.S.-U.K. Travel Restrictions

Initially, the U.S. barred entry by foreign nationals who’ve travelled to China, Iran and several European countries in the previous 14 days. Then the updated coronavirus restrictions were extended to the U.K. and Ireland on March 16. London City Airport also said it will suspend all commercial and private flights through end of April

U.S.-CANADA Border

On Wednesday, March 18, the U.S. and Canadian governments announced new border restrictions. The U.S.-Canada border was temporarily closed to “non-essential traffic” due to the coronavirus outbreak. As part of the mutual agreement, recreation and tourism will be affected. However, trade and essential workers will still be permitted. Earlier in the week, Canada previously closed its borders to foreigners except for American citizens. It’s unclear how long the latest measures will impact commercial and private jet travel.

European Union

EU leaders agreed on March 17, to close its external border for 30 days in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The rules apply to its 26 member nations, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Private jet travelers should be aware that the restrictions on non-essential travel will not apply to the transportation of medical staff, medicines or goods.

Additional International Travel Restrictions

According to the New York Times, several other countries have enacted coronavirus closures and restrictions as well. In particular, major South American countries closing their borders include Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Peru, while island nations like Cuba and Turks and Caicos are restricting air travel. Similarly, Asian countries with restrictions and quarantine measures include Cambodia, China, India and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Australia announced on March 19 that it’s enacting a travel ban on non-residents and non-citizens entering the country. Additionally, New Zealand has closed its border to nearly all travelers as well.

As for the U.S. and Mexico border, non-essential travel has been restricted.

Requirements for returning U.S. Travelers

American citizens and legal permanent residents returning home from high risk areas must fly into one of 13 airports. The list includes: Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD).

More resources and information

For more information about the coronavirus pandemic and its affect on private jet travel, check out our FAQ page. Also, if you have questions about travel restrictions and your next trip with us, please reach out to our Aviation Consultants. They can help you book late spring and spring trips too, as airline and business jet capacity alike will be limited.

Explore membership options or call Magellan Jets today at 877-550-5387.

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