UPDATE: Air travel across the United States has officially returned to normal as of Monday, November 13, 2023, following the lifting of all flight restrictions imposed during the historic federal government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the decision after extensive safety reviews, allowing airlines to resume full operations at major airports including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
The FAA had imposed restrictions on November 7, affecting approximately 40 major airports due to safety concerns linked to staffing shortages caused by the shutdown. At its peak, the restrictions led to flight cancellations affecting thousands of journeys, with a cut of up to 6% at one point. Over the weekend, cancellations were projected at 3%, but actual data indicated fewer than 1% of flights were canceled, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.
The government shutdown lasted a staggering 43 days and concluded on November 12, leaving many air traffic controllers unpaid and causing significant operational disruptions. “I want to thank the FAA’s dedicated safety team for keeping our skies secure during the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history,” stated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. He confirmed that air traffic controllers have returned to their posts, ensuring that normal operations can now resume.
The FAA’s decision to lift the restrictions comes after a thorough assessment of safety trends and the decrease in staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities. However, the agency is still reviewing reports of non-compliance by carriers during the emergency order and may pursue enforcement actions.
Earlier, the shutdown resulted in significant cancellations, particularly on November 9, when airlines cut over 2,900 flights. Concerns about ongoing disruptions lingered, especially with the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaching.
As of now, travelers can expect a return to regular flight schedules, but they are encouraged to check with airlines for the latest updates. This swift resolution is vital for millions of passengers planning to travel during the upcoming holiday season.
Stay tuned for more updates as air travel operations stabilize following this critical development.
