FAA Eases Flight Cuts Amid Ongoing Aviation Challenges

Sat Nov 15 2025 01:47:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Federal Aviation Administration has announced a reduction in flight cuts from 6% to 3% at major U.S. airports due to improving conditions post-government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is rolling back some of the flight restrictions imposed during the lengthy government shutdown. Initially set at 6%, the mandatory flight cuts have now been reduced to 3%, following the end of the shutdown on November 12. FAA officials cited lingering staffing issues as the reason for maintaining these restrictions, despite a general return to normal operations. Concerns over air traffic safety during the shutdown have highlighted ongoing staffing shortages for air traffic controllers, who reported significant financial strain due to missed paychecks.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated on Friday that it plans to roll back some of the flight restrictions implemented during the recent government shutdown at 40 major U.S. airports.

The FAA revealed that the previously mandatory 6% flight cuts are being downgraded to 3% as the record 43-day shutdown ended on November 12.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reiterated that restrictions would remain until staffing at air traffic control facilities stabilizes and safety metrics show improvement.

This unprecedented order, applied since November 7, has significantly affected thousands of flights as controller absences rose during the shutdown period. Many controllers, who went unpaid for over a month, reported financial strain and turned to side jobs.

While the flight cuts initially began at 4%, they eventually escalated to 6%. FAA officials chose not to pursue a 10% target increase as reports emerged suggesting that additional controllers were returning to work, spurred by news that Congress was nearing a deal to end the shutdown.

Although Duffy hasn't disclosed specific safety data that led to the tighter restrictions, he cited troubling incidents reported during the shutdown, such as planes getting dangerously close in flight and increased runway incursions.

Many airlines have had to reroute planes, leading to further operational challenges. Airlines for America, the trade organization representing U.S. airlines, warned of potential residual impacts that could affect travel for days following the adjustment of flight restrictions.

Experts predict that stabilization of the aviation system may take time despite the rollback which has spurred optimism among airline executives, especially ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel season.

The nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers is an ongoing issue, exacerbated during the shutdown with reports of 15-20 retirements daily and younger controllers leaving the field.