The Federal Aviation Administration has ended its emergency order that mandated flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports, effective Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6 a.m. ET. This decision allows airlines to return to normal operations, concluding weeks of travel disruptions triggered by staffing shortages during the government shutdown.
The flight reduction order was first implemented on November 7, 2025, as a proactive measure to ensure safety amid increasing strain on the national airspace system. Air traffic controllers had been working without pay due to the shutdown, leading to a rise in staffing triggers and operational challenges. The FAA initially imposed a 4% reduction in flights, which was scheduled to escalate to 10% by November 14, affecting some of the busiest airports in the country.
In their Sunday statement, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted that the termination of the order reflects significant improvements in staffing levels and system stability. “The flight reduction emergency order will be terminated on Monday, November 17 at 6 a.m. This means normal operations can resume across the National Airspace System,” they stated, emphasizing their commitment to public safety.
The shutdown, which lasted for several weeks and ended recently, forced the FAA to take unprecedented steps to manage air traffic safely. Data showed a record high of 81 staffing triggers on November 8, but by Sunday, only one such issue was reported, indicating a rapid recovery as controllers returned to paid work following the government’s reopening.
Beyond flight reductions, the FAA’s emergency measures included restrictions on visual flight rule approaches at facilities with staffing issues, limitations on commercial space launches to overnight hours, and bans on parachute operations and photo missions near affected areas. These actions were based on confidential safety reports from pilots and controllers, underscoring the heightened risks during the shutdown.
The impact on travelers was substantial, with thousands of flight delays and hundreds of cancellations reported daily since the cuts began. Airlines were required to provide full refunds for affected flights, though not for secondary costs, as the disruptions were not their fault. The 40 airports spanned over two dozen states, including key hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles International.
With the order lifted, airlines can now adjust their schedules to pre-shutdown levels, potentially reducing wait times and improving reliability for passengers. The FAA praised the hard work of its safety and operations teams, noting that their efforts were crucial in navigating the crisis and ensuring continuous safe air travel.
As the aviation industry recovers, the FAA will maintain vigilance, but no additional cuts are anticipated. This development marks a positive turn after one of the most challenging periods for U.S. air travel, with implications for future contingency planning in similar scenarios.
