The US Transportation Department has ended its emergency order requiring airlines to cut flights nationwide, citing improved staffing levels among air traffic controllers. The announcement comes just ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday, when more than six million Americans are expected to travel by air, a 2 percent increase from last year, according to AAA.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had ordered flight reductions beginning 7 November after a surge in absences among controllers during the 43-day government shutdown that began in October. As essential employees, air traffic controllers were required to work without pay, a situation that forced many to take second jobs and left others experiencing stress and exhaustion.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that staffing has returned to adequate levels, allowing “normal operations to resume.” He said the department will now focus on hiring additional controllers and developing a modern air traffic control system.
The shutdown caused widespread disruptions at airports, where delayed or canceled flights became common. In some cases, control towers relied on guidance from towers located miles away to manage air traffic. The emergency order had directed airlines to reduce up to 10 percent of domestic flights, and in the first week of November, thousands of flights were canceled and many more delayed.
Since the end of the shutdown last week, controller attendance has improved significantly. Weekend alerts for grounded or delayed flights due to staffing shortages fell from a record 81 on 8 November to just nine over the following Saturday and Sunday. Controllers are also set to receive back pay, removing previous threats of disciplinary action for absences.
The FAA noted it is reviewing reports that some carriers did not comply fully with the emergency order, though it did not specify which airlines were involved or the potential penalties.
The situation highlighted underlying issues in the US air traffic control system, including a shortage of trained personnel that predated the shutdown. The disruption underscored the vital role of controllers in maintaining safety and efficiency across the nation’s airspace.
Travelers are expected to face smoother operations during the Thanksgiving period, traditionally the busiest travel holiday in the United States. Airlines and airports have welcomed the restoration of staffing levels, signaling a return to more predictable flight schedules as millions take to the skies.
With the lifting of the emergency order, US aviation authorities are emphasizing long-term improvements to staffing and infrastructure to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
