U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that air traffic operations are returning to normal as air traffic controllers have resumed their duties after a prolonged government shutdown. This shutdown, lasting 43 days, resulted in the cancellation and delay of numerous flights due to safety concerns raised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching on November 27, the restoration of normal flight operations is crucial for millions of Americans who depend on air travel during this busy period. During the shutdown, many air traffic controllers opted to stay home due to unpaid work, while President Donald Trump indicated that those who continued to work would be eligible for a $10,000 bonus, a move that Duffy highlighted in a post on X.

The FAA lifted its emergency order to reduce flights as of 6 a.m. ET on November 17, following a positive trend in staffing levels within the National Airspace System (NAS). FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford noted that the decision to resume normal operations was based on improved staffing conditions, expressing gratitude for the efforts of the FAA safety and operations teams who prioritized public safety during the disruptions.

The initial flight restrictions were implemented on November 7, 2025, as federal employees, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, worked without pay. The shutdown concluded when a funding bill was signed into law on November 12, following bipartisan negotiations that included some Senate Democrats breaking ranks with their party.

Airline trade associations had previously cautioned that the reduced flight schedules resulting from the shutdown would not immediately return to full capacity, suggesting potential residual effects on air travel in the days following the resumption of operations. The FAA and DOT did not provide further comments beyond the statements made by Duffy and Bedford, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining a robust air traffic control system.