The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an emergency order on Wednesday evening to freeze flight reductions at 6%. This decision comes amid a significant decline in air traffic controller callouts. The initial flight reductions were put in place due to staffing shortages at airports and air traffic control towers, which were exacerbated by a recent government shutdown that President Donald Trump ended on Wednesday night.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that staffing levels have improved. On Wednesday, there were only four staffing triggers compared to 81 on November 8. "Such strong staffing levels suggest a further ramp up in flight reductions are not necessary to keep the traveling public safe," the order noted. The freeze on flight reductions will remain until the FAA can confirm that it is safe to resume normal operations.

Duffy expressed optimism about the situation, saying, "The FAA safety team is encouraged to see our air traffic control staffing surge, and they feel comfortable with pausing the reduction schedule to give us time to review the airspace." He emphasized that "the safety of the American people comes first."

Bedford reiterated the FAA's commitment to safety, stating, "The FAA's top priority is, and always will be, safety. The data shows that controller staffing is improving rapidly, which allows us to hold flight reductions at 6% while maintaining the highest levels of safety in our airspace." He added that the FAA would continue to monitor system performance closely and would make further adjustments if necessary.

The emergency order also confirmed that the list of 40 high-impact airports affected by the flight reductions remains unchanged. The air traffic control system nationwide faced significant challenges during the 43-day government shutdown, as controllers worked without pay in a stressful environment with already low staffing levels.

Duffy mentioned that the president's message to air traffic controllers about their back pay has been well received. Trump has proposed a $10,000 bonus for controllers who worked during the shutdown without calling out. He stated on Truth Social, "For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn't take ANY TIME OFF for the 'Democrat Shutdown Hoax,' I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country." He also expressed dissatisfaction with those who took time off during the shutdown, despite assurances of future pay.