Leah Murphy Photo FAA freezes flight-reduction plan at 6% as US government reopens With the US government reopened under a continuing resolution through Jan. 30, 2026, the FAA has paused further flight reductions. In an emergency order issued on Nov. 7, the FAA had initially planned to phase in flight reductions up to 10% at 40 major US airports, scaling the reductions based on staffing conditions as the US government shutdown continued. Following the emergency order, the FAA also issued NOTAMs temporarily closing 12 airports across the United States to all general aviation and nonscheduled aircraft, while exempting all emergency and helicopter operations. In a Nov. 12 joint announcement, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford confirmed that the agency will freeze flight reductions at 6% rather than continue toward the full 10% initially ordered. The FAA indicated that it intends to lift the emergency order as staffing stabilizes, though no timeline has been released. VAI acknowledges the difficult circumstances faced by the FAA and air traffic control (ATC) personnel during the shutdown and appreciates the agency’s efforts to maintain safety and continuity across the system. As the FAA transitions back to standard operations, VAI encourages continued transparency and collaboration with the industry to ensure that operational decisions reflect the shared priorities of safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption. Looking ahead, sustained progress on ATC modernization will depend on ensuring stable funding for the aviation system. While reopening the government and extending the continuing resolution through Jan. 30, 2026, allows the FAA and air carriers to resume normal operations, further action is needed to avoid similar disruptions next year and in the future. The Modern Skies Coalition, which includes VAI among its members, has written a letter urging Congress to pass a full-year transportation appropriations bill “to continue needed investments in controller staffing and training; technicians and aviation safety personnel; and technology and air traffic facilities.” VAI will continue to monitor developments and work with the FAA, Congress, and the Modern Skies Coalition to support the safe restoration of full aviation operations.
