In brief
The FAA has announced that all flight restrictions that affected 40 major airports during the recent government shutdown have been lifted, allowing airlines to resume normal operations. The decision came after an evaluation showed improvements in air traffic controller staffing and decreased safety concerns. The restrictions were initially implemented due to heightened safety risks arising from staff shortages, leading to significant flight cancellations. As conditions improve, airlines express optimism for recovery during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted all restrictions on commercial flights that were imposed on November 7 due to staffing shortages during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The order affected 40 major airports and resulted in thousands of flight cancellations.
As of Monday at 6 a.m. EST, airlines can resume their regular flight schedules.
This announcement was made by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. The FAA had issued the unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies, citing safety concerns stemming from staff shortages among air traffic control facilities during the shutdown.
After a review of safety data and a steady improvement in staffing levels, the FAA’s safety team recommended rescinding the order. The flight restriction originally started at a 4% cut, which escalated to 6%, before ultimately being rolled back to 3% in light of improving conditions.
This change is seen as a welcome development for airlines and the flying public, especially with Thanksgiving approaching. Airline executives have expressed optimism that operations would recover quickly as air traffic controllers return to work.
However, the FAA acknowledged reports of non-compliance by carriers during the emergency order and is currently assessing enforcement options. Cancellations peaked on November 9, with more than 2,900 flights being cut due to the FAA order, controller shortages, and severe weather conditions.
During the government shutdown, air traffic controllers, like many federal employees, worked without pay, missing two paychecks. The FAA initially aimed for a 10% reduction in flights, but safety data ultimately led to the implementation of the restrictions, as reports indicated planes were getting too close and increased runway incursions were noted.
