Airline Recovery in Sight as Flight Cuts Expected to Ease

Thu Nov 13 2025 22:34:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Airlines are anticipating a return to normal operations following the federal shutdown that prompted temporary flight cuts at 40 airports. With staffing improving, the industry is hopeful for a swift recovery.

Airlines express optimism for a quick return to normal operations following a federal order that demanded flight cuts due to staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown. As air traffic controller availability stabilizes, airlines hope to manage a smooth recovery during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel season, despite lingering concerns over potential delays and operational challenges.

Airlines are optimistic they can resume normal operations just a few days after the government lifts its order to cut flights at 40 busy airports. However, it remains uncertain when this will happen, even after the federal shutdown concluded.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that airlines will not have to cut more than 6% of their scheduled flights at these airports, due to improved air traffic controller staffing. Previously, airlines were instructed to prepare for further cuts up to 10% as the shutdown strained workforce availability.

Amid concerns over safety stemming from controller absences during the shutdown, airlines focused their reductions on regional routes to alleviate impacts on main hubs. By Thursday morning, approximately 1,000 flights were canceled nationwide.

Officials at the FAA and the Transportation Department have yet to provide updates on when the order will be retracted. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the decision will heavily rely on ongoing safety assessments being conducted by FAA experts.

Despite the turbulence caused by staffing shortages, airline executives are confident in a quick recovery. American Airlines expects to manage disruptions effectively, ensuring they meet record travel demands during the Thanksgiving period, which begins next Friday. Duffy has stated that controllers are expected to receive the bulk of their back pay soon after the shutdown ends, potentially alleviating some workforce stress.

The airlines remain vigilant as they prepare to welcome an anticipated 31 million passengers over the Thanksgiving holiday, but experts suggest challenges may still persist well into the holiday travel season.