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FAA Keeps Flight Cuts at 6% at 40 Major Airports as More Controllers Return

Officials tie any easing of the limits to demonstrable safety gains supported by controller staffing data.

Overview

  • The Transportation Department said it held the cap at 6% rather than increasing to 10% after a rapid decline in controller absences.
  • The House approved legislation to end the federal shutdown, sending the measure to President Trump as agencies prepare to resume normal operations.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said controllers will receive 70% of retroactive pay within 24–48 hours of reopening, with the balance within a week.
  • More than 10,100 flights have been canceled since the curbs took effect, with weather and strained crews amplifying disruptions beyond the mandated reductions.
  • The FAA has withheld detailed safety metrics behind the cuts but cited closer-than-normal aircraft separation, more runway incursions, and pilot reports of concern.