US Air Traffic to Return to Normal as Shutdown Impact Eases
The busy Thanksgiving holiday season is looking increasingly like business as usual, with air traffic experts predicting that flight schedules in the US will soon return to normal.
Air traffic controllers are returning to work at a rapid pace, thanks in part to their designation as essential workers during the federal government shutdown. Despite initial concerns about widespread cancellations and delays, the number of staffing triggers - which determine when delays occur due to understaffing - has plummeted from 81 on November 8th to just four.
The Transportation Department says this significant reduction is a testament to the controllers' efforts, with many calling in sick, resigning or taking second jobs during the shutdown. However, the agency's pledge to pay them 70% of their back pay within 24-48 hours of the shutdown ending, followed by an additional week later, has brought stability back to the airline industry.
According to Mike Arnot, spokesperson for Cirium, "Thanksgiving shouldn't be impacted at all". The FAA's decision to allow airlines to gradually reduce flight schedules at 40 busiest airports by 10% amid staffing shortages was already having a significant impact on travel. On November 6th, nearly 7% of scheduled departures from the US were canceled.
While some uncertainty remains, particularly if the weather causes delays in coming weeks, air traffic experts are cautiously optimistic that flight schedules will soon return to normal. Pilots worked additional hours during the shutdown and reached their maximum time allowed, leading to a shortage of reserves.
However, even with the return of full staffing levels, there is still a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Association estimates it will take two or three years to reach the FAA's target level of 10,800 controllers.
The busy Thanksgiving holiday season is looking increasingly like business as usual, with air traffic experts predicting that flight schedules in the US will soon return to normal.
Air traffic controllers are returning to work at a rapid pace, thanks in part to their designation as essential workers during the federal government shutdown. Despite initial concerns about widespread cancellations and delays, the number of staffing triggers - which determine when delays occur due to understaffing - has plummeted from 81 on November 8th to just four.
The Transportation Department says this significant reduction is a testament to the controllers' efforts, with many calling in sick, resigning or taking second jobs during the shutdown. However, the agency's pledge to pay them 70% of their back pay within 24-48 hours of the shutdown ending, followed by an additional week later, has brought stability back to the airline industry.
According to Mike Arnot, spokesperson for Cirium, "Thanksgiving shouldn't be impacted at all". The FAA's decision to allow airlines to gradually reduce flight schedules at 40 busiest airports by 10% amid staffing shortages was already having a significant impact on travel. On November 6th, nearly 7% of scheduled departures from the US were canceled.
While some uncertainty remains, particularly if the weather causes delays in coming weeks, air traffic experts are cautiously optimistic that flight schedules will soon return to normal. Pilots worked additional hours during the shutdown and reached their maximum time allowed, leading to a shortage of reserves.
However, even with the return of full staffing levels, there is still a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Association estimates it will take two or three years to reach the FAA's target level of 10,800 controllers.
. we need more essential workers and better pay, you feel? and what's with the 70% back pay? seems like a good start, but it's gonna take time for people to trust again 
. also, i'm not sure how much of this 'return to normal' is just a PR stunt... we still got that staffing shortage looming over us 
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! just saw that US air traffic is finally getting back on track after the gov shutdown 
️. i mean its pretty cool that the folks at the FAA were able to get their act together and staff up the air traffic control centers 
️. 70% payback for all the essential workers was a smart move too 
, guess you could say it's like christmas morning for airlines 
. now i know its not all sunshine and rainbows - still gotta deal with staffing shortages and whatnot 
- but from where im standing, air traffic is back to normal 
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. With the shutdown over and staff coming back, I'm stoked that flights aren't getting all messed up. It's like they're finally able to breathe a sigh of relief after all those cancellations & delays. Still a bit worried about when we'll see full staffing levels again tho... seems like it's gonna take 'em a while 
The fact that it's taking this long for air traffic to recover just shows how messed up the shutdown was. And don't even get me started on the pilots working extra hours and still being short-staffed... that's just irresponsible management if you ask me 
. The FAA needs to step up their game and fill those controller positions ASAP, not just talk about reaching a target number in two or three years 
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The government shutdown must've caused some major stress, but it's great to see the industry bouncing back. 40% reduction in flight schedules at busy airports is still a bit of a bummer though... I hope everything goes smoothly from now on 
. The FAA's move to allow gradual reductions at 40 busiest airports was smart, and it's awesome that air traffic controllers were given the push they needed 
I think this is great news! With the shutdown impact easing, flight schedules should be back on track soon 
. The fact that they're getting paid their full salary after a short delay must be a huge relief for everyone involved 
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. But for now, at least we're seeing some stability return to the airline industry 
. Bring on the Thanksgiving travel season! 
i just hope its not gonna affect our summer vacay plans 
Not me, that's for sure!
. And now, with airlines adjusting their schedules at airports, I think we can expect some stability in flight plans soon.
it's just not right 
anyway, hope everyone has a smooth flight and not too many delays 
. I mean, can you even imagine trying to travel during a holiday without any issues?