FAA investigates airline compliance with shutdown flight reduction order

FAA investigates airline compliance with shutdown flight reduction order

The FAA is investigating whether several major U.S. airlines followed a government-mandated order to cut flights at 40 of the nation's busiest airports during the federal shutdown. In a statement posted to its website on Dec. 1, 2025, the FAA said it notified certain carriers that it is reviewing their compliance with an Emergency Order issued on Nov. 12, 2025, requiring a reduction in daily domestic flights at each "high-impact" airport between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The order warned airlines they could face civil fines of up to $75,000 per flight exceeding the limits. Carriers were given 30 days to submit evidence or statements demonstrating compliance. Delta Air Lines declined to comment. Delta had previously told CBS News Atlanta it was working with the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation to cut flights at 40 major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and expected to operate "the vast majority of our flights as scheduled."

Gobble's Take: The FAA is reviewing airline compliance with its own flight-cut order, and carriers have 30 days to show their work.

Source: CBS Atlanta

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