NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) - The Federal Aviation Administration ended its flight-reduction emergency order Monday morning, allowing air travel everywhere, including Eastern Carolina, to return to normal.

The order was officially lifted at 6 a.m., ending the reductions that led to cancellations and delays at many airports, including Coastal Carolina Regional Airport. The timing comes right before a busy holiday travel period.

Travelers, once faced with the fear of cancellations and delays due to air traffic controller staffing issues amid a government shutdown, are now hopeful that things will go back to normal.

“I just hope things will get smoother and fellow travelers will continue catching their flights,” said Jesse Hernandez, a traveler.

The FAA implemented cuts starting November 7 at 4

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