The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the lifting of all flight restrictions due to the recent government shutdown, effective on January 22, 2024, at 06:00 E.T. This decision marks the end of an emergency order that resulted in thousands of flight cancellations and major disruptions for travelers across the United States.
In a joint statement, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy confirmed the termination of the flight reduction emergency order, which affected operations at 40 major airports nationwide. The FAA’s safety team recommended this action after a thorough review of safety trends and a notable decline in staffing-related issues within air traffic control facilities.
The emergency order was initially implemented to address staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, leading to a reduction of approximately 4% of all flights at the impacted airports. This figure increased to 6% before the FAA made adjustments, including a rollback of 3% late last week as staffing levels began to recover following the end of the shutdown.
According to the FAA, staffing levels have improved since the reopening of the government. Notably, only one staffing trigger was recorded on January 21, 2024, and eight on January 20, a significant decrease from a peak of 81 staffing triggers the previous weekend. Staffing triggers serve as alerts that indicate insufficient air traffic controller presence at airports.
Sean P. Duffy emphasized the importance of this development in a post on X, stating, “The FAA has determined that normal flight operations can resume after multiple days of positive staffing with air traffic controllers in our towers.” He also highlighted the agency’s commitment to focusing on hiring and enhancing the air traffic control system.
In addition to the lifting of flight restrictions, the FAA will also remove limits on general aviation operations at 12 airports, as well as restrictions on commercial space launches and reentries, along with limits on visual flight approaches at certain facilities.
The statement from the FAA credited President Donald Trump for the smooth transition back to normal operations. Duffy remarked, “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, controllers have returned to their posts and normal operations can resume,” underscoring the collaborative effort to restore the aviation system.
With the conclusion of the government shutdown and the resumption of normal flight operations, travelers can anticipate a return to regular schedules and reduced disruptions in air travel across the country. The FAA’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to maintaining safety and efficiency in the skies.
