UPDATE: Air travel is back to normal as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially lifted all flight restrictions imposed during the historic federal government shutdown. This significant development allows airlines to fully resume their regular schedules as of Monday morning, November 13, 2023.
The FAA had implemented restrictions on air traffic since November 7, affecting operations at 40 major airports across the U.S., including key hubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. These measures caused disruptions to thousands of flights and impacted millions of passengers, with flight cuts peaking at 6% during the shutdown.
The shutdown, which lasted for a staggering 43 days, ended on November 12, but the effects lingered into the weekend. Fortunately, data from aviation analytics company Cirium revealed that only less than 1% of flights were canceled over the weekend, significantly lower than the mandated 3% cutoff.
The FAA’s safety team recommended the cancellation order be rescinded after thorough reviews indicated a steady decline in staffing-related incidents at air traffic control facilities. Officials acknowledged reports of non-compliance by some carriers during this emergency order and are currently considering enforcement options.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed gratitude to the FAA’s safety team for maintaining secure skies throughout the shutdown, stating, “Normal operations can resume now that controllers have returned to their posts.” This announcement brings relief to travelers who feared continued disruptions during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period.
Earlier in November, cancellations peaked on November 9 when airlines cut over 2,900 flights due to both the shutdown and adverse weather conditions in various regions. The impact of this protracted shutdown left many air traffic controllers without pay, missing two paychecks, which added to the urgency of restoring normal operations.
As air travel returns to normal, travelers can expect a much-needed reprieve from the turbulence caused by the shutdown. Experts advise passengers to stay updated on flight statuses and any potential delays as airlines work to stabilize their schedules fully.
With the FAA’s lifting of restrictions, the skies are clear for travelers as the holiday season approaches. Stay tuned for further updates on air travel as the situation continues to evolve.
