URGENT UPDATE: Air travel is officially back to normal as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted all remaining flight restrictions that were imposed during the recent federal government shutdown. This significant announcement was made on Monday, November 13, 2023, allowing airlines to fully resume their normal schedules across the country.
The shutdown, which lasted a staggering 43 days and was the longest in U.S. history, ended on November 12, 2023. During the closing days, the FAA had imposed air traffic restrictions at 40 major airports, including major hubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. These measures disrupted thousands of flights and affected millions of passengers, with initial flight cuts peaking at 6% before gradually being reduced.
Over the weekend, restrictions were still in place, limiting flights by 3%, but as of Monday morning, all limits have been rescinded. Data from aviation analytics company Cirium shows that actual flight cancellations over the weekend were even lower than the mandated 3%, with fewer than 1% of journeys not taking place.
The FAA’s decision to lift the restrictions follows a thorough review of safety trends and a significant decline in staffing-triggered events in air traffic control facilities. In a statement, the FAA noted, “A safety team recommended the cancellation order be rescinded after detailed reviews.”
However, the agency is also addressing reports of non-compliance by airlines during the emergency order and is considering enforcement options. Cancellations peaked on November 9, when airlines cut more than 2,900 flights, compounded by adverse weather conditions in parts of the country, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the busy Thanksgiving holiday period.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed gratitude towards the FAA’s safety team for maintaining secure skies during the shutdown. He thanked the public for their patience and confirmed that air traffic controllers have returned to their posts, paving the way for a complete return to normal operations.
As airports rebound from the chaos, travelers can now expect a smoother flying experience. Authorities remind passengers to check their flight statuses and remain vigilant during this transition period.
Stay tuned for updates as the aviation sector rapidly adjusts to this significant change.
