FAA Ends Flight Restrictions as Airlines Prepare for Heavy Holiday Demand

The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted nationwide flight caps imposed during the government shutdown, allowing airlines to resume full schedules just days before the Thanksgiving surge. This move restores capacity at 40 major airports and provides critical operational relief during the most heavily traveled week of the year.

Officials say improved staffing stability across air-traffic control facilities and a decline in “staffing trigger events” warranted lifting the restrictions. The shutdown created significant strain on controllers, many of whom worked extended hours without pay, resulting in elevated fatigue and staffing volatility. Attendance has since normalized, supported by retention incentives aimed at restoring workforce readiness.

Industry analysts note that the end of flight caps comes at a pivotal moment. Airlines have optimized schedules aggressively for the holiday period, and TSA expects near-record passenger throughput. Without the FAA restrictions, carriers regain flexibility to manage peak-hour demand, reduce congestion, and improve on-time performance metrics across multiple hubs.

In the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs International Airport is preparing for one of its strongest seasonal travel periods. Officials advise arriving two to two-and-a-half hours before departure, citing increased parking demand and midday security bottlenecks. While Frontier Airlines will pause service after November 29, other carriers will maintain nonstop route availability, minimizing disruption to the region’s winter flight network.

The aviation sector still faces risks, including weather-related delays and infrastructure strain, but the FAA’s decision restores critical operational stability at a decisive moment for airlines and consumers alike.