In brief
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Sunday the removal of all restrictions previously placed on commercial flights due to staffing shortages from the recent government shutdown. Airlines are permitted to return to regular schedules as of 6 a.m. EST on Monday. The order, initially introduced to ensure safety due to low air traffic control staff numbers, has been re-evaluated following improvements. The FAA is vigilant of compliance during this transition and anticipates a recovery in air travel ahead of the busy Thanksgiving period.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday it is lifting all restrictions on commercial flights that were imposed at 40 major airports during the country’s longest government shutdown.
Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a.m. EST, the agency said.
The announcement was made in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. This measure had been in effect since Nov. 7, influencing thousands of flights across the nation.
The flight cuts initially capped at 4% eventually rose to 6% before being reduced to 3% as improvements in air traffic controller staffing were noted following the end of the 43-day shutdown on Nov. 12.
The FAA's decision to lift restrictions came after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities,” leading its safety team to recommend the order be rescinded.
While cancellations peaked at over 2,900 flights on Nov. 9 due to this FAA directive, conditions began improving with more controllers returning to work and a deal in Congress to terminate the shutdown.
The FAA remains vigilant about compliance among carriers during this transition, stating they are assessing enforcement options regarding reports of non-compliance.
Airline leaders are optimistic for a rebound in operations, especially with the Thanksgiving travel period approaching and the FAA lifting its order.
