FAA will discontinue required reductions in domestic flights across the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Sunday that it would lift the mandatory cuts in domestic flights at 40 major U.S. airports, effective Monday at 6 a.m. Eastern Time. This decision comes in light of improving staffing conditions related to air traffic control, following the recent federal government shutdown that sparked significant operational challenges.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that this move reflects a steady decline in staffing concerns that had initially prompted the temporary flight restrictions. In addition to rescinding limits on domestic flights, the FAA has also lifted restrictions on space launches and general aviation flights at several airports, signaling a broader resumption of normal air traffic operations.

Airlines had anticipated this regulatory change, with numerous major carriers indicating that they had not canceled any flights for Monday, nor did they plan to do so. Airlines for America, a trade organization representing major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, refrained from commenting directly on the situation.

Prior to the FAA’s announcement, the agency had adjusted its previous orders, reducing the flight cuts requirement from 6% to 3%. Notably, airlines have largely disregarded these mandates, with data from Cirium—an aviation analytics firm—showing that only 0.25% of flights at the affected airports were canceled on Sunday, a rate lower than usual. Overall, the cancellation rate across the U.S. was reported at a mere 0.36% on the same day, further indicating a return to routine operations.

However, this level of compliance drew scrutiny from the FAA, which acknowledged reports of non-compliance and indicated that it is exploring enforcement options. The agency has the authority to impose fines of up to ,000 for each flight operated beyond the established limits.

Initially, the FAA had aimed for a gradual reduction of domestic flights by as much as 10%, but following a dramatic reduction in disruptions after the conclusion of the government shutdown, it opted to freeze the requirements at a 6% reduction level on November 12. These restrictions were first introduced to mitigate the impact of a staffing shortage among air traffic controllers, many of whom were absent during the shutdown due to not receiving pay.

As of now, the FAA remains approximately 3,500 air traffic controllers short of its targeted staffing levels. The agency had previously implemented mandatory overtime and extra workweeks for controllers in anticipation of ongoing operational demands. Following the end of the shutdown, FAA employees began receiving back pay equal to around 70% of what they are owed, marking an incremental step towards restoring normalcy in the aviation sector.

This transition hints at a potentially more stable air travel environment moving forward as regulatory actions shift in favor of resuming typical operating practices.

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