ORLANDO, Fla. — Starting Monday, flights will return to normal at the Orlando International Airport and other high traffic airports across the country.
The FAA announced the restrictions put in place during the government shutdown will be lifted starting at 6 a.m., local time, on Monday.
What You Need To Know
The FAA announced the restrictions put in place during the government shutdown will be lifted starting at 6 a.m., local time, on Monday
Airlines and airports impacted by the reduction will probably still need a little time to get back to 100%
he FAA announced a 10% reduction in air traffic a month into the government shutdown, when staffing issues — specifically with air traffic controllers — became a problem
On Sunday, the FAA stated it is lifting all restrictions on commercial flights that were imposed at 40 major airports during the country’s longest government shutdown.
With a week and a half before Thanksgiving, flight restrictions were a major concern for a lot of passengers.
Airlines and airports impacted by the reduction will probably still need a little time to get back to 100%, in the same way they needed time to reduce those flights, but this could be a good sign for those who had travel plans for next week.
The FAA announced a 10% reduction in air traffic a month into the government shutdown, when staffing issues — specifically with air traffic controllers — became a problem.
The position is considered essential so while air traffic controllers along with TSA members were still expected to show up to work, they were not getting paid.
Many, according to local union representatives, were struggling with paying rent, buying groceries, gas and other everyday necessities after going weeks without a paycheck.
The list of 40 airports went out the first week of November with the goal of reducing air traffic by 10% over time, but the reduction only dropped by 6% before the shutdown ended.
According to the FAA’s website, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated on Sunday, “Today’s decision to rescind the order reflects the steady decline in staffing concerns across the NAS and allows us to return to normal operations.”
With things expected to ramp back up on Thanksgiving next week, passengers should make sure to keep track of their flights and any potential changes by checking in frequently with airport websites and airline apps.
And Orlando International Airport is encouraging the 3, 2, 1 rule which allots extra time and even some padding when it comes to getting to the airport and the gate early.