US lifts restrictions on flights in time for Thanksgiving travel

November 17, 2025

The US Transportation Department has rescinded an emergency order that required airlines to reduce flights nationwide after air traffic controller staffing levels returned to normal following the end of a government shutdown. During the 43-day shutdown that began in October, controllers were forced to work without pay, leading to widespread absences that created safety concerns and prompted the FAA to mandate up to 10% flight reductions starting November 7th. The timing of the resolution is particularly crucial as it comes just before Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest travel period in America with over 6 million expected passengers this year.

Who is affected

Air traffic controllers (required to work without pay during shutdown)
US airline passengers (experienced flight delays and cancellations)
Airlines/carriers (required to cut scheduled flights)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Over 6 million Thanksgiving travelers
Airports across the country

What action is being taken

Air traffic controllers are returning to their posts
Normal flight operations are resuming
The FAA is reviewing and assessing enforcement options against airlines for alleged non-compliance with the emergency order
Controllers are receiving back pay

Why it matters

This matters because air traffic controller absences during the shutdown created significant safety concerns for the nation's aviation system during what became the longest government shutdown in US history at 43 days. The resolution is particularly critical as it comes just before Thanksgiving, the single busiest travel holiday in the United States, when over 6 million people are expected to fly—approximately 2% more than the previous year. The situation also highlights broader systemic issues, including an already existing shortage of air traffic controllers that was exacerbated by the shutdown.

What's next

The FAA will continue surging controller hiring efforts
The department will work on building a new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system
The FAA will complete its review of airlines' alleged non-compliance and determine potential penalties

Read full article from source: BBC