FAA eases flight cuts at 40 US airports, but some restrictions remain
Key Points
- 1FAA halves flight cuts from 6% to 3% at 40 US airports.
- 2Flight cuts were implemented due to controller shortages after the government shutdown.
- 3Improved staffing levels at air traffic controller facilities prompted the easing of restrictions.
- 4Safety metrics must improve before the order is fully lifted.
- 5Controller shortage was exacerbated by the shutdown, with increased retirements.
- 6FAA and Department of Transportation will monitor the situation for full resumption of operations.
The FAA (US regulator) reduced the number of flights airlines must cut from their schedules at 40 busy US airports, decreasing the reduction from 6% to 3%. This adjustment reflects improved staffing levels at air traffic controller facilities following the end of the 43-day government shutdown. The initial flight cuts, implemented on November 7, aimed to alleviate pressure on the aviation system as controller absences increased during the shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that safety metrics must improve before the order is fully lifted. The shutdown led to significant disruptions, including rerouted planes and operational challenges for airlines. Airlines for America cautioned about potential residual effects, while airline executives expressed optimism for a quick return to normal operations before the Thanksgiving travel period.
The controller shortage, exacerbated by the shutdown, saw 15-20 controllers retiring daily, with some younger controllers leaving the profession. Duffy cited reports of planes getting too close in the air, increased runway incursions, and pilot concerns about controller responses as justification for the initial flight cuts. The FAA and Department of Transportation will continue to monitor the situation and assess when normal operations can resume.
The flight tracking website FlightAware reported a significant drop in cancellations for Saturday, indicating a positive trend. The FAA's decision to ease flight cuts signals a step towards stabilizing the aviation system after a period of unprecedented challenges. The agency will continue to evaluate the situation throughout the weekend to determine when normal operations can fully resume.
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