FAA Eases Restrictions After Government Shutdown, Outlook Remains Uncertain

Sat Nov 15 2025 02:05:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The FAA announced a reduction of flight cuts at major U.S. airports following the recent government shutdown, but recovery may take time as air traffic controller shortages persist.

In a significant update regarding commercial aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to relax some of the flight restrictions imposed during the recent government shutdown. While the mandatory flight cuts have been reduced from 6% to 3%, concerns about air traffic controller shortages and safety metrics continue to loom over the industry. The transportation secretary hinted that full normalization might take longer than expected, especially with potential lingering effects on airline operations ahead of the holiday travel period.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to roll back some restrictions on commercial flights that were implemented at 40 major U.S. airports during the recent government shutdown. The agency reports that the mandatory flight cuts are being adjusted from 6% to 3% even after the 43-day shutdown ended on November 12.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the restrictions would stay until staffing at air traffic control facilities stabilizes and safety metrics show improvement. The unprecedented cuts originated on November 7 and impacted thousands of flights, causing significant disruptions in airline operations.

Duffy mentioned that controllers were under financial strain due to not receiving pay for over a month, leading many to take on additional jobs. The FAA had initially aimed for a 10% cut but decided to ease pressure as more controllers began returning to work with the expectation that Congress would resolve the shutdown.

Despite the flight reductions being lessened, concerns persist about the safety data that warranted the cuts, including instances of planes getting dangerously close mid-air and rising reports of runway incursions. Duffy did not specify the data triggering these measures but indicated that controller stresses were a factor.

Air traffic controllers missed two paychecks during the shutdown, leading to worries about workforce retention. The ongoing nationwide controller shortage has exacerbated issues within the system, with reports of 15 to 20 controllers retiring daily.

While airline executives remain hopeful for a quick recovery in operations, experts warn that the disruptions might take longer to resolve, particularly with the busy holiday travel period approaching.