Flight reductions are still in effect at 40 major U.S. airports .

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a 3% drop in operations through the weekend, down from 6% as the government shutdown came to an end . Cancellations had been scheduled to increase if the shutdown dragged on and air traffic controller shortages worsened.

"The 3 percent reduction will remain in place while the FAA monitors system performance throughout the weekend and evaluates whether normal operations can resume," the FAA said in a news release on Nov. 14, crediting improved staffing levels for the easing.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford have continually said data would guide decisions on flight operations. Rollback: DOT cancels a proposed rule that would requi

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