FAA Halts Reduction of Flights to Support Safety and Stabilize Air Travel During Delicate Recovery

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to maintain a 6% reduction in U.S. flights at 40 major airports, aiming to balance safety with the need to restore flight capacity as air traffic controller attendance improves. This update, revealed on Nov. 13, 2025,

that were expected to reach 10% by Nov. 14. The change comes after a significant drop in controller absences, which had surged during the recent federal government shutdown, worsening staffing shortages and prompting emergency reductions in flights. that the freeze will continue "as we evaluate if the system can safely transition back to standard operations."

This decision arrives as airlines prepare for the busy Thanksgiving travel season,

that full schedules could resume "within the coming days." Still, the system remains under strain, with the FAA reportedly short about 3,500 air traffic controllers compared to its target staffing . Experts caution that while the recent improvement in attendance has helped, a complete recovery will require resolving ongoing issues like back-pay disputes and delays in equipment upgrades.

For passengers, the 6% reduction has resulted in more than 10,100 flights being canceled since the cuts began,

such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. Airlines have focused on keeping high-demand routes operational, while trimming less frequented regional flights, for most travelers. CEO Ed Bastian told CBS Mornings that air travel could normalize by the weekend, though he admitted that some delays may continue until staffing and schedules are fully stabilized .

The government shutdown, which lasted 43 days and set a record as the longest in U.S. history, initially led to widespread flight cancellations and cargo delays.

that even if the shutdown had ended sooner, disruptions would have persisted for weeks due to unresolved staffing and operational challenges. The situation deteriorated as more controllers, some taking on extra jobs to manage without pay, called in sick at unprecedented rates. added to the tension, though officials later confirmed that 70% of owed back pay would be issued within 48 hours after the shutdown ended.

Although the FAA's freeze offers short-term relief, deeper issues remain.

that U.S. airports and terminal projects are able to withstand short-term flight reductions thanks to robust liquidity and cost-recovery clauses in airline agreements. Still, the agency pointed out that persistent staffing gaps and aging infrastructure—including the FAA's proposed $31.5 billion modernization plan—will need ongoing investment to avoid future disruptions . Airlines for America, the industry association, ahead of the Thanksgiving surge, forecasting a record 31 million travelers during the peak period.

The outlook remains uncertain. Airlines are seeking clarity on when the FAA will lift the remaining restrictions, with some warning that continued delays could extend into December. Meanwhile, the FAA stressed that any changes will depend on "positive trends," including sustained improvements in controller attendance and safety performance

.

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