Flight Recovery After US Government Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted a 6% flight cap at 40 major airports and airlines expect flight recovery within days after a 43‑day US government shutdown.

The shutdown ended on November 13, 2025, after 43 days that saw widespread air traffic controller absences and forced reductions. With the FAA rescinding its 6% flight reduction order, carriers are pushing to restore schedules—but the pace of recovery will depend on staffing, aircraft positioning and ongoing safety reviews.

By November 14, 2025, airlines reported improved punctuality: nearly 95% of U.S. flights were on time that day. Still, industry analysts warn that while many routes should normalize in three to four days, some delays and cancellations could linger, with some airports and carriers taking up to a week to return to pre‑shutdown schedules.

Flight recovery timeline and what to expect

Airlines for America (A4A) projects a record holiday travel period — about 31 million passengers for Thanksgiving — so any residual disruption could ripple through the system. The FAA continues to monitor safety and staffing data before fully restoring routine operations at affected airports.

Short-term: expect rolling schedule changes as airlines prioritize aircraft and crews — this is the core of the flight recovery effort.
3–4 days: most major routes should see normal frequencies resume if staffing remains stable.
Up to a week: some connecting flights and smaller markets may experience longer recovery times.

Practical tips for travelers: confirm reservations and check-in early, track your flight with the airline app, and be prepared for rebookings or alternate routings if disruptions persist into the Thanksgiving travel window.