US Flights Set to Resume Normal Schedules as FAA Lifts Shutdown Restrictions

Flights across the United States are set to return to normal schedules after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the lifting of emergency flight restrictions imposed during the recent government shutdown. Airlines can resume their standard operations from 6 a.m. Eastern Time (11:00 GMT) on Monday, the FAA confirmed in a statement on Sunday.

The restrictions had been introduced at 40 major airports nationwide to maintain safety amid staffing concerns, as many air traffic controllers were reportedly fatigued or absent due to the six-week government shutdown. These measures forced airlines to cut flights by 4–6 percent, leading to thousands of cancellations and widespread travel delays across the country.

US President Donald Trump signed a bill on Wednesday to restore government funding, officially ending the shutdown and resolving the standoff between Republicans and Democrats. Following the resumption of government operations, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the decision to lift flight reductions reflected a “steady decline in staffing concerns” at key airports.

The FAA reported a sharp drop in “staffing triggers,” incidents where the number of available air traffic controllers fell below safe operating levels. These triggers fell from 81 on November 8 to just one on Sunday, signaling a return to safe staffing levels. In response to the improving situation, the FAA had already scaled back flight reductions to 3 percent by Friday.

In addition to lifting restrictions, the FAA stated that it is “reviewing and assessing enforcement options” due to reports of some airlines failing to fully comply with the emergency order in the past days. Airlines are now preparing to restore full flight schedules, providing relief to travelers affected by cancellations and delays over the past weeks.

The return to normal flight operations marks a critical step in stabilizing air travel in the United States, reassuring passengers and restoring confidence in the country’s aviation system. With improved staffing and the government funding restored, airlines and passengers can look forward to smoother travel in the weeks ahead.