FAA Lifts Flight Restrictions Imposed During Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Sunday the removal of all flight restrictions at 40 major U.S. airports, effective Monday at 6 a.m. EST. These restrictions were initially implemented on November 7 due to staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities during the 43-day government shutdown, which concluded on November 12.

The flight reductions began at 4% and increased to 6% before being scaled back to 3% on Friday, as more air traffic controllers returned to work. Major hubs affected included airports in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the decision to lift the restrictions followed detailed safety reviews and a steady decline in staffing-related incidents. The FAA is also reviewing reports of non-compliance by some carriers during the emergency order and is assessing potential enforcement actions.

Airline executives are optimistic about a full recovery in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period.