FAA ends nationwide flight cut mandate at airports

The Federal Aviation Administration ended its mandated cuts on domestic flights at 40 major US airports early Monday, easing restrictions it placed during the government shutdown. 

The agency acted after air traffic controller staffing concerns eased, with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford saying the move reflects a steady decline in staffing concerns.

Airlines had anticipated the change. Major carriers told Reuters that they had not canceled any Monday flights, and Cirium data showed that only 0.25% of flights were canceled at the affected airports on Sunday, well below normal levels.

The nationwide cancellation rate stood at 0.36%, signaling improving operations.

The FAA acknowledged that some airlines did not comply with earlier cut requirements and stated that it is reviewing enforcement options, including possible fines of up to $75,000 per excess flight.

The agency initially planned deeper reductions, but it froze cuts at 6% as shutdown-related disruptions eased. Staffing shortages, however, remain significant, with the FAA still short about 3,500 controllers.