Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reducing some restrictions on commercial flights, which were put in place during a government shutdown. Flight cuts at major U.S. airports will decrease from 6% to 3% as the country works to stabilize air traffic control staffing and safety. The shutdown ended on November 12, but challenges remain for the aviation system to return to normal.
Key Facts
- The FAA is reducing flight cuts from 6% to 3% at major U.S. airports.
- The restrictions began due to a government shutdown lasting 43 days.
- Staffing and safety issues in air traffic control have led to these restrictions.
- Flight cuts were intended to ease pressure as absences among unpaid air traffic controllers rose.
- During the shutdown, air traffic controllers missed two paychecks.
- Some flights experienced issues like getting too close in the air, and more runway incursions were reported.
- The exact time needed for the aviation system to stabilize is uncertain.
- The shutdown made the existing shortage of controllers more severe, with many retiring or leaving the profession.
