FAA announces end of flight reductions at airports including O'Hare and Midway

FAA Announces Rescission of Flight Reduction Order at Major Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted its emergency order reducing flights by up to 6% nationwide, including major hubs such as O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. The move comes after the agency cited a decline in staffing concerns across the National Airspace System.

"We're returning to normal operations," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on Sunday. "I want to thank the hardworking safety and operations teams for their dedication to protecting the traveling public."

O'Hare, which was hit hardest by flight cancellations earlier this month, saw a significant spike in disruptions due to staffing shortages during the government shutdown. The airport accounted for the most cancelled flights of any US airport at the time.

The FAA's decision marks a reversal from its earlier order, which aimed to address safety concerns amid staffing shortages caused by the prolonged government closure. With the lifting of the restriction, air travel is expected to resume to pre-emergency levels, providing relief to passengers and airlines alike.

️ I'm so relieved to hear that flights are going back to normal at O'Hare! I had a family trip planned for next month and we were worried sick about cancellations . It's crazy how a government shutdown can affect everyday people like me who just want to travel. I remember checking my flight status every hour, waiting for news on whether our flight would be cancelled . Glad that the FAA listened to their teams and made this decision . Now we can finally start making plans again without worrying about last-minute changes .

so about this news... i think its cool that they're lifting the flight reduction order . i mean, who likes having their flights cancelled or delayed? especially when you've got plans and stuff. but it makes sense that the FAA is reversing course now that staffing concerns are being addressed. it's always good to have normal operations back at airports. o'Hare airport was a mess during the shutdown , so its nice to see them getting things sorted out. hopefully this means less stress for passengers and airlines in general .

Interesting development here! The FAA's decision to rescind the flight reduction order at major airports seems like a pragmatic response to the staffing concerns that arose during the government shutdown . I'm relieved that air travel is expected to resume to pre-emergency levels, considering the disruptions caused by the earlier order . It will be fascinating to monitor how airlines and passengers adapt to this change, as it may impact their schedules and travel plans . On a related note, I wonder if this decision might serve as a model for other industries that have been impacted by staffing shortages or disruptions in recent times .

just got some good news if u have flights planned like i do... thought we were gonna be stuck with 6% fewer flights at o'hare but it looks like they're lifting that order now! can't say i'm surprised tho, staffing shortages woulda been a major issue glad the faa is getting back to normal ops

Yaaas, finally some good news in the skies! I'm all for getting back to normal operations at O'Hare and other airports. The staffing shortages during that government shutdown were a major headache, and I'm sure it was super stressful for travelers. But now, with flights going back up by 6%, I can imagine the relief on everyone's faces - especially those stuck at the airport . It just goes to show how fast things can change in the world of aviation, though! I'm curious to see if this will lead to more investments in staffing and technology to avoid similar issues in the future. Anyway, let's just enjoy the smoother skies ahead

omg i'm so relieved finally some sanity in air travel again! 6% reduction was already too much for me lol, can't even imagine flying with reduced flights glad they're reverting back to normal ops FAA admins do deserve a shoutout for listening to concerns and prioritizing safety

just heard about this think it's a huge relief for travelers now that flights are back to normal... i was stuck at o'hare airport during the shutdown and had to book an extra night's hotel just because of cancellations glad to hear the faa is prioritizing safety while also considering the impact on airlines and passengers

Ugh, I'm all for more flights at O'Hare lol ️. I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned delay or cancellation every now and then? But seriously, it's great that the FAA is lifting the order - it'll definitely be a relief to passengers and airlines who were affected by the staffing shortages during the government shutdown.

I have to wonder though, what was going on behind the scenes at the FAA? Were they really this concerned about staffing shortages, or was it just a PR move to calm people down after the whole shutdown drama? Still, I guess it's good that they're getting back to normal operations and all. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book my flight ️... fingers crossed it doesn't get delayed!

I'm so glad to hear that the FAA has lifted the flight reduction order at major airports! It's been a really tough time for everyone who's had flights cancelled or delayed... thinking about all those people who were stuck in airports or missed connections . I can imagine how stressful it must have been, especially during the government shutdown . I'm just glad that the FAA is prioritizing safety and getting back to normal operations . It's a big relief for everyone involved!

I remember when flights used to be so smooth, no cancellations, just hop on and go . Now it's like anything can happen, staffing issues, shutdowns... the world has changed so much since I was a kid . I mean, who would've thought we'd have flight reductions? Back in '95, flying was so much more relaxed . This decision is good though, airlines and passengers will finally breathe a sigh of relief . But I gotta wonder what's the real reason behind this change? Is it just about safety or is there something more going on behind the scenes?

Just heard this news and I'm glad it's being lifted . Was getting super anxious about my flight plans... Hope everything goes smoothly from now on . It makes sense that the staffing concerns were causing the issue - can't have pilots and air traffic controllers scrambling to keep up with demand . The fact that O'Hare was hit so hard during the shutdown made it a bit of a nightmare for travelers . But I guess getting back to normal is always a good thing!

The FAA's sudden U-turn on reducing flights nationwide seems like a prudent decision, don't you think? I mean, it's only logical that they'd reassess the situation once staffing concerns have eased up. The fact that O'Hare was hit particularly hard during the government shutdown highlights just how much of an impact these issues can have on air travel. It's great to hear that passenger and airline relief is in sight - now we just need to hope that the trend holds true moving forward!

I'm so surprised they finally decided to lift this order . I mean, who thought reducing flights by 6% was a good idea in the first place? It's not like it was going to magically solve any staffing issues or anything... Airlines are just going to find ways to get around it anyway. And what about all the passengers who were inconvenienced? They're probably breathing a sigh of relief, but I'm sure they'll be back to complaining in no time . I guess we can all rest easy knowing that some poor soul at the FAA had to make this call...

I don't get why they had to lift this order in the first place . I mean, flight cancellations are already stressful enough without having to worry about staffing shortages too . And now that it's all sorted out, aren't we just going back to normal? It feels like a bit of a waste of resources imo...the FAA must've been keeping an eye on things pretty closely though , so I guess it was a good idea in the end . Still, I'd have liked them to find a more permanent solution to these staffing issues , but I guess that's not exactly how the system works, right?