HELENA — The FAA has lifted flight restrictions for 40 major airports in the United States that were implemented during the nation's longest government shutdown. The restrictions impacted thousands of flights, causing ripple effects across the country and even being felt in Helena.

“I'm very relieved, I'm relieved there are no issues,” said Valerie Hellermann, a Helena Regional Airport passenger flying out of the country.

Citing safety concerns, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to reduce air traffic as staffing shortages with air traffic controllers grew. Helena didn’t face staffing issues itself, but all of the major airports Helena connects to were impacted.

“When they would get to the hubs, sometimes if a flight was delayed, they might miss their connection,” said Helena regiona

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