US Airports and Airlines Resume Normal Operations After 6% Traffic Cut

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted flight restrictions tied to the government shutdown, allowing US airports and airlines to resume normal operations after weeks of delays and reduced schedules. The 6% traffic cut imposed during the shutdown will end at 6 a.m. ET on November 17, 2025. The FAA ordered the reduction due to concerns about controller staffing, which had dropped during the prolonged shutdown. The agency said it based the restrictions on ’trigger events’ in which controller staffing fell below safe minimum levels. With the restrictions lifted, airlines are expected to move quickly to restore normal schedules, and airports prepare for the busy holiday travel period. The FAA said it will continue to monitor staffing and traffic flows and respond as needed.