Airlines resume normal operations as FAA lifts shutdown-related flight limits
Air travel in the U.S. is beginning to return to normal as airlines resume regular schedules following the end of the government shutdown.
(NBC)- Air travel in the U.S. is beginning to return to normal as airlines resume regular schedules following the end of the government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration announced it is lifting flight restrictions that had impacted 40 major airports nationwide.
In a joint statement with the Transportation Department, officials said the decision was based on “safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.”
Travel analyst Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, says conditions appear to be stabilizing.
Brian Kelly, Founder of The Points Guy:
“It does appear that air traffic controllers are working. The callouts are minimal, and they’re all getting bonuses now if they came to work, so I think the morale there is up—as well as the TSA.”
During the shutdown, many air traffic controllers worked full-time without pay — a strain that union leaders say pushed the workforce to the brink.
Nick Daniels, President, NATCA:
“The stresses, the pressure, the fatigue is setting in. Air traffic controllers are texting, ‘I don’t even have enough money to put gas in my car to come to work.’”
The timing of the FAA’s move may be a relief for travelers gearing up for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. TSA data shows Thanksgiving week consistently brings the highest passenger volume.
Experts warn that travelers should still monitor airline apps for delays or cancellations — not due to staffing shortages, but for typical disruptions.
Brian Kelly, Founder of The Points Guy:
“I think the things we should be looking out for are weather-related incidents that could throw the system out of whack, or outages. But overall, I think things are looking good.”
If trends hold, officials say the nation’s aviation system should continue moving toward full normal operations heading into the holiday season.
