Summary
The U.S. transportation department has removed the emergency restriction on flights, allowing normal air travel to resume for Thanksgiving. This decision came after enough air traffic controllers returned to work following the government shutdown that caused many to miss work due to unpaid labor.
Key Facts
- The U.S. transportation department lifted flight restrictions in time for Thanksgiving travel.
- Restrictions were initially set during a government shutdown due to absent air traffic controllers.
- Air traffic controllers had to work without pay during the shutdown, leading to high absenteeism.
- The shutdown was the longest in U.S. history, lasting 43 days.
- The FAA had required airlines to reduce flights to prevent safety issues.
- Over 6 million people in the U.S. are expected to fly during the Thanksgiving holiday.
- With controllers back at work, normal flight operations have resumed.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced efforts to hire more controllers and improve the air traffic control system.
