FAA Eases Flight Cuts as Government Shutdown Nears End

The Trump administration has reduced government-imposed flight cuts at 40 major U.S. airports to 6%, signaling improving air traffic conditions as the record-long government shutdown draws to a close. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) previously ordered steeper reductions—8% for Thursday and 10% for Friday—but decided to ease restrictions after a sharp decline in air traffic control absences.

According to the FAA, “The 6% hold will remain in place as the agency continues to evaluate system stability before restoring full operations.” Data from FlightAware showed that airlines canceled around 900 flights on Wednesday, the fewest in nearly a week. Air traffic controller absences, which had caused widespread disruptions earlier, now account for just 1% of delays, compared to 5% before the shutdown.

The FAA faces a staffing shortfall of about 3,500 controllers, many of whom have been working extended shifts and six-day weeks. Despite these challenges, airlines are optimistic. “If trends continue improving, we expect normal operations to resume soon,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines both expressed confidence that flight operations would stabilize within days of the shutdown ending.

Flight disruptions have already taken a heavy toll, with tens of thousands of cancellations since the 43-day shutdown began on October 1. Over the past weekend alone, 1.2 million passengers were affected by delays and cancellations. Many air traffic controllers missed work due to financial strain, often taking second jobs or struggling with child care costs.

Duffy announced that controllers would receive 70% of their back pay within 48 hours once the government reopens. A Senate subcommittee is set to review the shutdown’s impact on aviation safety next Wednesday.