The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially lifted restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major airports that were in place during the government shutdown. This move allows airlines to resume their regular flight schedules starting Monday at 6 a.m. EST.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford released the announcement as air traffic controller staffing improved following the shutdown that began on November 7. The FAA had previously limited air traffic to address safety concerns arising from staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities.
The restrictions had escalated from an initial 4% flight cut to a peak of 6% as the shutdown continued, impacting major airports in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. The latest updates from the FAA indicated a gradual restoration of normal operations as staffing levels returned to adequate numbers.
Throughout the shutdown, many air traffic controllers worked without pay, significantly affecting their morale and operational capacity. The lifting of these restrictions coincides with the busy travel season as airlines prepare for a surge in passengers during the Thanksgiving holiday. Airline leadership has expressed optimism about a quick recovery, expecting operations to bounce back as cutbacks are removed.
With improved conditions now in place, the FAA is monitoring compliance from airlines, aware of reports of non-compliance during the emergency order. The FAA plans to review and possibly enforce regulations to ensure flight safety standards are met.
