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The FAA statement said an FAA safety team recommended the order be rescinded after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.”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
Affluent enclave rocked by brutal slaying — suspect’s Facebook posts appeared to target victim: report

Shocking Murder in Elite Community: Facebook Clues Uncover Suspect’s Sinister Motive

A shocking incident in a usually peaceful and wealthy neighborhood in Northern…
Man accused of timed beatings now charged with murder after woman found dead in river: report

Chilling Case Unfolds: Man Accused of Timed Beatings Faces New Murder Charges After Woman’s Body Found in River

A man from Washington state is facing murder charges following the discovery…
California school district allegedly gave fraudulent diplomas to Chinese students to enter US colleges

California School District Accused of Issuing Fake Diplomas to Chinese Students for College Admissions

An extensive audit has uncovered allegations against a California school district, accused…
NTSB flags ‘conflicting information’ in LaGuardia tower, unclear who handled ground-control duties

Confusion in Control: NTSB Uncovers Critical Communication Breakdown at LaGuardia Tower

Federal investigators have revealed that they are facing challenges due to “conflicting…
Driver hops curb, strikes 9 students during after school pickup in Iowa

Terrifying Iowa Incident: Driver Jumps Curb and Hits 9 Students at School Pickup

In a distressing incident on Tuesday afternoon, nine students were injured when…
Fetterman slams Democratic 'mess' as TSA workers miss paychecks during DHS shutdown

Fetterman Criticizes Democratic ‘Disarray’ Amid TSA Workers’ Pay Crisis During DHS Shutdown

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat known for occasionally diverging from…
DC Park Police officer shooting arrests two people Darren Foster Asheile Foster

Breaking News: Two Arrested in Connection with DC Park Police Officer Shooting

In a recent development from the nation’s capital, the Metropolitan Police Department…
Video shows LA homeless living in sewers

Shocking Footage Reveals Homeless Communities Residing in LA’s Underground Sewers

Los Angeles has reached a distressing point in its homelessness crisis, as…
UK police arrest 2 men over arson attack on ambulances belonging to Jewish volunteer group

UK Authorities Detain Duo in Connection to Arson Attack on Jewish Volunteer Ambulance Fleet

In a significant development, British police detained two men on Wednesday in…
Quadruple amputee, professional cornhole player charged with murder after alleged roadside killing

Shocking Turn: Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Champion Faces Murder Charges After Roadside Incident

In a tragic turn of events, a professional cornhole player, who is…
California Democrats panic as 2 Republicans lead governor's race

California Governor Race Shocker: GOP Candidates Take Unexpected Lead, Democrats Scramble

California Democrats are confronting a daunting challenge in the upcoming 2026 governor’s…
Toddler killed in shooting identified as 2-year-old A'mahri Robinson; suspect denied bond

Tragic Shooting: 2-Year-Old A’mahri Robinson Identified as Victim, Suspect Held Without Bond

In a court session on Tuesday, Steven Dodson Jr., aged 21, was…