The Federal Aviation Administration announced Sunday it is removing all commercial flight restrictions that were implemented at 40 major airports during the country's record-breaking government shutdown. Airlines can return to their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a.m. EST.
Unprecedented Safety Measures During Shutdown
Citing growing safety concerns as staffing shortages worsened at air traffic control facilities, the FAA had issued an unprecedented order to limit air traffic. The restrictions had been in effect since November 7, affecting thousands of flights nationwide at major hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta.
The flight reductions began at 4% and later increased to 6% before the FAA scaled back to 3% on Friday. The agency cited continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing since the historic 43-day shutdown finally ended.
Peak Disruptions and Recovery Progress
Cancellations reached their highest point on November 9, when airlines cut more than 2,900 flights due to the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages, and severe weather in parts of the country. Conditions began improving throughout the week as more controllers returned to work amid news that Congress was nearing a deal to end the shutdown.
The agency had initially aimed for a 10% reduction in flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that concerning safety data made the move necessary to ease pressure on the aviation system and manage worsening staffing shortages as the shutdown entered its second month and flight disruptions accumulated.
Controller Challenges and Thanksgiving Outlook
Air traffic controllers were among the federal employees required to continue working without pay throughout the shutdown, missing two paychecks during the impasse. Duffy referenced reports during the shutdown of planes getting too close in the air, increased runway incursions, and pilot concerns about controller responses.
The progress in staffing recovery prompted the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases. Airline executives have expressed optimism that operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period following the FAA's decision to lift the order entirely.
