Brandon Fried, Executive Director, the Airforwarders Association, speaks at the Air Cargo Americas conference in Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida, United States, Thursday 13th November 2025: 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.
About the Airforwarders Association
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) represents hundreds of U.S companies dedicated to moving cargo through the supply chain on all modes of transport.
AfA has been supporting member companies of all sizes for 35 years, acting as the voice of the industry and lobbying legislators to help drive sustainable practices and ensure resilient, safe, secure supply chains.
As an alliance of indirect air carriers, cargo airlines and related businesses operating across the global transportation community, we represent member companies dedicated to moving air cargo through the supply chain.
Our members include not only air forwarders, but truckers, airlines, warehouse operators and businesses delivering a range of supporting services including technology, training, compliance, insurance and legal, just to name a few industries.
From campaigning for better national infrastructure to opening discussions about carbon reductions and digitilization – AfA has promoted hundreds of its members and streamlined business models to continue the growing industry.
More information at airforwarders.org/