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yesterday

FAA Cuts Flight Limits to 3% as Shutdown Ends and Travel Steadies

Improving controller attendance prompted the rollback, with shortages likely to slow normalization.

Travelers check their flight status at Dulles International airport as the nation's air travel system begins to return to normal, as the U.S. government opens back up following the longest shutdown in U.S. history, in Dulles, Virginia, U.S. November 13, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: An American Airlines plane takes off near the air traffic control tower at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has reduced flights by 10 percent in 40 major airports around the country, including LAX, with airlines warning that flight disruptions could continue even after the end of the federal government shutdown as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The FAA said mandatory reductions at 40 major airports are being lowered from 6% to 3% following the 43‑day funding lapse.
  • DOT reported a sharp drop in controller callouts this week, and FlightAware counted 615 cancellations and about 850 delays by midday Nov. 14.
  • President Donald Trump signed the funding bill on Nov. 12, but officials cautioned that aircraft and crew displacements will take time to unwind.
  • Airlines kept flexible change waivers in place at several carriers, including American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue and United, while Southwest ended its waiver.
  • Controller shortages and fatigue persist, with local examples like Austin’s tower operating at roughly half of its fully certified staffing and continuing extended workweeks.