Airlines Prepare for Normal Operations After FAA Flight Cut Order

Thu Nov 13 2025 22:35:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With the FAA indicating improved air traffic controller staffing, airlines are hopeful to resume standard operations soon after the recent flight reductions at 40 major airports. Travelers may face lingering disruptions as Thanksgiving approaches.

Airlines are showing optimism about returning to normal operations as the FAA reassesses its flight cut orders due to improved staffing among air traffic controllers. Despite initial cutbacks of up to 10% in flight services, experts warn that the impacts could extend into peak travel periods like Thanksgiving. With an eventual lifting of the order expected, airlines hope to manage the upcoming rush of passengers effectively.

Airlines are optimistic they can resume normal operations just a few days after the government lifts its order to cut some flights at 40 busy airports.

Recent announcements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicate that airlines won’t have to cut more than 6% of flights at these airports due to significant improvement in air traffic controller staffing. Initially, the cuts were set to increase to 8% and then 10% in the coming days. This order followed an unprecedented flight cut due to staffing issues during a federal shutdown, where many controllers missed work due to financial strains caused by the shutdown.

As airlines prepare for the Thanksgiving travel rush, which is expected to see a record 31 million passengers, they are hopeful that operations can be normalized swiftly. However, some experts indicate potential lingering issues that could extend beyond the initial recovery period.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the decision to lift the order will depend on continuous safety assessments conducted by FAA experts. As of Thursday morning, FAA officials had reassuring updates regarding staffing availability, with no emergency staffing warnings reported at airport control centers nationwide.

American Airlines, along with other carriers, emphasized their commitment to serving customers efficiently and highlighted plans in place to manage staffing challenges. Meanwhile, travelers are advised to remain vigilant regarding potential delays and cancellations. The aviation sector aims to recover swiftly, especially to accommodate the influx of passengers expected in the coming weeks.