The Federal Aviation Administration has prohibited private and business jet flights at 12 major US airports to ease pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown, reports New York's Forbes magazine.

The National Business Aviation Association said the restrictions, announced Sunday, will halt non-scheduled operations at hubs including Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Boston Logan, Houston Bush, Atlanta, New York JFK, Los Angeles, Newark, Phoenix, Washington Reagan and Seattle-Tacoma.

NBAA President Ed Bolen warned the move disproportionately affects general aviation, which supports more than one million jobs, generates US$340 billion in economic impact and provides humanitarian flights. He noted the new order follows earlier restrictions on 40 airports.

Private operators are adjusting quickly. David Zipkin of Tradewind Aviation said flights are spilling into nearby reliever airports, creating congestion. He added the company is offering free changes and rerouting clients to alternate airports.

George Mattson, chief executive of Wheels Up, said his firm is also providing free adjustments, moving itineraries to smaller airports at no cost. He noted this strategy could help travelers avoid cancellations and delays during the holiday season.

Airlines for America welcomed progress in the Senate toward ending the shutdown, after thousands of flights were cancelled over the weekend. The trade group urged swift passage of a continuing resolution to restore safe and reliable operations across the nation's airspace.