Phoenix Sky Harbor to cut fewer flights as it recovers from shutdown. What we know

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is set to reduce fewer flights as the FAA eases flight capacity reductions implemented during the recent government shutdown. The FAA's decision comes as air traffic controller staffing shortages, which led to significant ground delays at Sky Harbor, begin to resolve. The airport will now cut 3% of its daily flights, down from the initial 4% and later 6% reductions mandated earlier in November. Transportation officials had warned that reductions could have reached 10% if the shutdown persisted.

The FAA's mandate to reduce capacity affected 40 airports nationwide, including Phoenix Sky Harbor. The agency is closely monitoring air travel operations through the weekend to determine if airports can fully return to normal operations. The number of staffing shortage triggers at control towers across the country has decreased significantly since the shutdown ended, falling from a record high of 81 on November 8 to just three on November 14.

While the FAA has not yet confirmed whether the flight reduction requirements will be lifted in time for the Thanksgiving holidays, the scaling back of restrictions is a positive sign for travelers. General aviation restrictions remain in place at Phoenix Sky Harbor, according to the FAA's National Airspace System Status website. The airport and the FAA continue to work towards restoring normal operations as quickly and safely as possible.