The 43-day U.S. federal shutdown ended at 8:23 p.m. ET on November 12. Soon after, the FAA announced that flight reductions would remain capped at 6% of domestic flights at the 40 busiest American airports, scrapping planned increases to 8% and 10% in the days ahead.

More than 900 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Wednesday, heightening anticipation of the FAA's announcement. However, U.S. airlines have ultimately opted to trim flights by far less than 6%.

After canceling about 3.5% of flights on Wednesday and Thursday, U.S. airlines reduced the schedule by just 1.4% on Friday, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium and airline officials. The FAA has yet to comment on the airlines' reduced cancellations.

U.S. Airlines Defy FAA's 6% Flight Reduction Order And Reduce Fewer F

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