FedEx has halted all U.S. equine air transport through January following FAA-mandated inspections on MD-11 aircraft. Here’s how it impacts horse owners and trainers.
FedEx has paused U.S. horse-transport flights on MD-11s until at least early January after a federal safety directive grounded the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet—the backbone of the company’s equine-air operations. The move immediately disrupts racing stables, sport-horse barns, and sales consignors who rely on the carrier as the nation’s only consistent provider of commercial horse flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the grounding order following a fatal UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville on Nov. 4. Preliminary findings pointed to structural cracks in engine-mount components, triggering an industry-wide inspection requirement. The mandated checks are extensive, invasive, and time-consuming, forcing FedEx to pull dozens of aircraft from service.
According to the Paulick Report, in an email notice to equine-air shipping agents, FedEx explained that losing access to the MD-11 fleet has upended its ability to rotate empty stalls and maintain reliable flight schedules. With holiday freight volume reaching its annual peak, the company said it could not ensure safe, timely transport for horses already booked. To avoid the risk of animals being stranded mid-route, FedEx opted to suspend all new equine bookings until operations stabilize.
High-Profile Shipping Plans Thrown Off Course
The sudden halt has already affected several East Coast trainers planning to ship to the West Coast winter circuit. One prominent turf contender scheduled to run in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar lost a confirmed booking when FedEx canceled the flight according to the Paulick Report. Other barns narrowly avoided disruptions by loading horses just before the suspension took effect.
With Tex Sutton’s “Air Horse One” still inactive, FedEx remains one of the only carriers offering regular wide-body domestic horse flights. The temporary suspension leaves owners and trainers with few alternatives for coast-to-coast travel—particularly for horses who cannot safely make multi-day van trips due to respiratory issues, schedule demands, or performance needs.
When Could Flights Resume?
No official return date has been announced. Industry agents say the New York–California corridor could be among the first restored if FedEx regains enough aircraft to support the route, but the timeline is entirely dependent on FAA inspection progress.
Until the MD-11 fleet is cleared, equine-transport agents are urging owners, trainers, and sport-horse programs to anticipate delays, adjust racing schedules, and consider ground shipping when safe and practical.
