FAA Maintains 6% Flight Reductions Amid Improved Air Traffic Controller Attendance

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will remain at 6%, rather than increasing to 10% as previously planned. This decision follows a notable increase in air traffic controller attendance after the conclusion of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the FAA's safety team observed a "rapid decline" in controller callouts, prompting the decision to maintain the current level of flight reductions. Duffy emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that all decisions will be guided by data.

Since the implementation of the 6% flight reductions last Friday, over 10,100 flights have been canceled, according to flight tracking data. The FAA had initially planned to escalate flight cuts from 4% to 10% at the 40 affected airports.

The FAA's list of 40 airports spans more than two dozen states and includes major hubs such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The order requires all commercial airlines to make cuts at these airports.

Airlines have expressed optimism about resuming full operations shortly. Delta Air Lines, for instance, looks forward to bringing its operation back to full capacity over the next few days.

The FAA will continue to monitor staffing levels and assess whether the air traffic system can safely return to normal operations. Duffy indicated that if the FAA safety team determines the trend lines are moving in the right direction, a path to resume normal operations will be put forward.