Will Stay In Effect At 6% As U.S. Government Reopens

Vertical Aviation International commented on the FAA freezing flight reductions at the 6% level as the House voted on November 12 to pass the Continuing Resolution that funds the government through January 30, 2026.

In a joint announcement prior to the House vote, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA confirmed that flight reductions will remain at that level rather than progress higher to the original target level of 10%. The FAA indicated that the emergency order will be lifted when staffing levels stabilize, but no timeline was given.

In the announcement, the agencies said that staff callouts have dropped significantly since President Donald Trump assured controllers that their pay will resume and include all back pay.

The VAI said it acknowledges the challenging circumstances faced by the FAA and controllers during the shutdown, and appreciates all the efforts being made to maintain safety and continuity across the system.

As the FAA begins to transition back to standard operations, VAI encourages the agency to continue its transparency and collaboration with the aviation industry to ensure decisions made regarding operations accurately reflect the shared priorities of safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption.

Looking to the future, VAI said that stable funding for the aviation system is necessary to sustain progress on the ATC modernization project. Although the Continuing Resolution through January 30, 2026 enables the agency and airlines to resume normal operations, additional action will be needed to avoid similar disruptions during the next year and beyond.

The Modern Skies Coalition, which includes VAI among its more than 50 aviation and aerospace organizations, has submitted a letter to Congress urging it to pass a full-year transportation appropriations bill “to continue needed investments in controller staffing and training; technicians and aviation safety personnel; and technology and air traffic facilities.

VAI will monitor developments and continue to work with the FAA, Congress, and Modern Skies to support the safe restoration of full aviation operations.

FMI:  www.transportation.gov/ , www.faa.gov/