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The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted flight restrictions at Newark Liberty International Airport and other airports nationwide. The restrictions, which affected 40 major airports, were initially imposed during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which lasted 43 days. As of 6 a.m. EST on Monday, airlines resumed their regular flight schedules, according to a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
The flight reduction order, which began with a 4% cut and peaked at 6%, was implemented due to staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities during the shutdown. The FAA had planned a 10% reduction but scaled it back to 3% before lifting it entirely. The decision to lift the order was based on a recommendation from the FAA safety team, which cited improvements in staffing levels and a decline in staffing-trigger events.
The restrictions also affected private aviation flights at a dozen major airports, which have now resumed normal operations. The FAA is reviewing reports of non-compliance by carriers during the order and is considering enforcement options.
Airline leaders are optimistic about a rebound in operations ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period. Secretary Duffy thanked the FAA's safety team for maintaining security during the shutdown and expressed gratitude for President Trump's leadership in resolving the situation.
ABC7NY reported that the restrictions were initially imposed due to safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities. Private Jet Card Comparisons added that private jet traffic movements increased on the first day of the ban. NJ.com noted that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is prepared for the lifting of restrictions at its airports.
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