FAA Lifts Flight Restrictions Ahead of Thanksgiving, Holiday Travel Returns to Normal

November 20, 2025 at 05:20 PM•2 min read•prnewswire.com

FAA Lifts Restrictions: What This Means for Your Thanksgiving Flight Plans

Key Points

1FAA (US regulator) lifted all commercial flight restrictions at major U.S. airports on November 17, restoring normal operations.
2Over 95% of U.S. flights now depart on time, with cancellation rates at impacted airports at a low 0.25%, despite air traffic controller shortages.
3Smoother Thanksgiving travel is expected for an estimated 31 million travelers following the resolution of a government shutdown.
4Travel insurance options are highlighted for passengers seeking coverage against potential flight delays or disruptions during the holiday season.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US regulator, has officially lifted all commercial flight restrictions at major U.S. airports, signaling a return to normal operations just in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season. This crucial decision, effective November 17, follows the resolution of a recent government shutdown, which had previously imposed limitations on air traffic. Millions of travelers preparing for their holiday journeys can now anticipate significantly smoother experiences, alleviating anxieties stemming from earlier disruptions.

Industry reports confirm the positive shift, with over 95% of flights now departing on time across the United States. This impressive recovery occurs despite ongoing shortages of air traffic controllers nationwide, demonstrating the resilience of the U.S. air travel system. Furthermore, cancellation rates at previously impacted airports have plummeted to an exceptionally low 0.25%, well below typical levels, reinforcing the stability of current flight operations.

While the overall outlook for Thanksgiving travel remains overwhelmingly positive, some travelers may still harbor concerns regarding potential flight complications. Travel insurance providers are highlighting various options, such as Trip Delay, Missed Connection, and Trip Interruption coverage, designed to mitigate financial risks associated with unforeseen disruptions. These policies offer reimbursement for expenses like meals, lodging, or alternate transport in the event of delays, missed connections, or even trip cancellations.

The FAA's swift action to restore full operational capacity underscores a commitment to ensuring efficient and reliable air travel for the American public. As an estimated 31 million travelers prepare to take to the skies, the normalization of flight schedules provides a critical boost to passenger confidence and the broader civil aviation industry during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.