Washington, DC – The government is open, and business is returning to normal at the nation’s 40 busiest airports following 9 days of flight cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted the restrictions on the nation’s airspace after air traffic controllers returned to work. On November 5th, the FAA called for cuts of up to 10% of air traffic due to staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers were forced to work without pay during the longest shutdown in America’s history. Many called out sick, and others reported fatigue and stress.   

The gradual restrictions started at 3% and led to thousands of flight cancellations. A week later, the U.S. Department of Transportation froze the cuts at 6% then lowered them to back to 3%.  

In a news release Sunday, the DOT and FAA said staffing levels “have continued to snap back into place.” 

The 43-day shutdown ended after the President signed a bill on November 12 to fund the government until January 30, 2026. 

Meanwhile, our partners at APTA are reacting to DOT proposals that would eliminate the Federal Mass Transit Account from the Highway Trust Fund. The move would also prohibit states from using their highway funds for public transit.  

According to Politico, the proposal notes that in 2024 $1.6 billion was pulled from FHWA’s highway account and transferred to the Federal Transit Administration for that purpose.