FAA lifts order slashing flights, allowing commercial airlines to resume their regular schedules
Share this @internewscast.com

The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Sunday its decision to lift all commercial flight restrictions previously enforced at 40 major airports due to the nation’s longest government shutdown.

Airlines are set to return to their standard flight operations starting Monday at 6 a.m. EST, as confirmed by the agency.


Passengers wait in a crowded airport lounge, some sitting on the floor or with luggage, many looking at phones.
Regular flight schedules will resume on Monday at 6 a.m. EST. Stephen Yang for the New York Post

This update was delivered in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Amid growing safety concerns from staff shortages at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA had implemented an unprecedented order to manage air traffic. This order, effective since November 7, disrupted thousands of flights nationwide.

Key airports impacted included major hubs such as those in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Initially, flight reductions began at 4% and escalated to 6%. However, on Friday, the FAA scaled back these restrictions to 3%, attributing the rollback to ongoing improvements in air traffic controller staffing following the historic 43-day shutdown.

The FAA statement said an FAA safety team recommended the order be rescinded after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.”

The statement said the FAA “is aware of reports of non-compliance by carriers over the course of the emergency order. The agency is reviewing and assessing enforcement options.” It did not elaborate.

Cancellations hit their highest point Nov. 9, when airlines cut more than 2,900 flights because of the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages and severe weather in parts of the country. But conditions began to improve throughout the week as more controllers returned to work amid news that Congress was close to a deal to end the shutdown. That progress also prompted the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases.

The agency had initially aimed for a 10% reduction in flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said worrisome safety data showed the move was necessary to ease pressure on the aviation system and help manage worsening staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities as the shutdown entered its second month and flight disruptions began to pile up.

Air traffic controllers were among the federal employees who had to continue working without pay throughout the shutdown. They missed two paychecks during the impasse.

Duffy hasn’t shared the specific safety data that prompted the cuts, but he cited reports during the shutdown of planes getting too close in the air, more runway incursions and pilot concerns about controllers’ responses.

Airline leaders have expressed optimism that operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period after the FAA lifted its order.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears look to get payback against Michah Parsons-less Green Bay Packers in NFC North showdown

Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears Aim for Redemption Against Green Bay Packers in NFC North Clash, Benefiting From Micah Parsons’ Absence

CHICAGO — Riding high with a five-game winning streak and victories in…
City of Chicago budget vote: Rare Saturday Chicago City Council meeting to be held as Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes head tax

Chicago City Council Convenes Unusual Saturday Session for Crucial Budget Vote on Mayor Johnson’s Proposed Head Tax

As the holiday season approaches, Chicago’s city leaders find themselves in a…
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Brown and MIT Shootings Raise Concerns: Are Elite Universities Equipped to Handle Targeted Violence?

Two fatal shootings at prestigious U.S. universities, situated just 50 miles apart,…
Raines High celebrates first state title since 2018 with parade filled with pride and community unity

Raines High Triumphs in First State Title Since 2018: A Celebration of Pride and Community Spirit

Raines High School’s triumphant return to state championship glory since 2018 ignited…
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty, Citing Conflict of Interest with Pam Bondi

On Friday, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione intensified their efforts to dismiss the…
Ex-Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack arrested in Texas

Former Jaguars Linebacker Myles Jack Detained in Texas

Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack faced arrest in Frisco, Texas, on…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Teen Among Five Injured in Arlington House Party Shooting Following Heated Argument

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An early morning house party in Jacksonville’s Arlington area…
Congestion pricing = accessible transit

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: How Congestion Pricing Fuels Enhanced Public Transit Accessibility

New York City’s public transit system is renowned for its ability to…
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

Tragic North Carolina Plane Crash: Passenger’s Final Text Revealed Before Incident Claims Lives of Greg Biffle and Family, Reports NTSB

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively…
Parent responsible for lockouts at four Duval schools arrested in Texas, police say

Texas Arrest of Parent Linked to Lockouts at Four Duval Schools, Police Report

A chilling threat made by a parent led to heightened security at…
Trump: 'Obamacare Was Created to Make Insurance Companies Rich'

Trump Criticizes Obamacare, Claims It Benefited Insurance Giants Over Americans

In a fiery address delivered in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, former President…
Dave Chappelle surprises fans with Netflix special after Joshua-Paul fight

Dave Chappelle Drops Unexpected Netflix Special Following Joshua-Paul Fight

Dave Chappelle is once again ready to deliver laughs to his audience.…