Shutdown Ended, But Disruptions Will Continue
November 14, 2025 - The longest government shutdown in history is officially over. But we expect disruptions to continue for a period of time. The Department of Transportation announced earlier this week that the FAA capacity reductions will freeze at 6%.
The emergency order scraps the previous plan to ramp up reductions to 10% by today, and will remain in place "as the FAA continues to assess whether the system can gradually return to normal operations."
DOT and FAA attributed the freeze to favorable staffing conditions, with just 11 staffing triggers reported on Tuesday and four on Wednesday — down from a high of 81 on Saturday. Those strong staffing numbers "suggest a further ramp up in-flight reductions are not necessary to keep the traveling public safe."
You may continue to experience cancellations or changes to your schedule. Review and enforce your Contract provisions, including but not limited to flight cancellations, reassignments and/or reroutes, and commuting. Contact your Local AFA Council or MEC for details specific to your base and airline.
While the shutdown ending is good for our aviation system and our federal sector siblings who were held hostage without their paychecks, the healthcare crisis has no resolution. Healthcare costs will spiral. This administration argued to deny those with food insecurity the SNAP benefits we have all paid for to support millions from going hungry, including Flight Attendants. We are still collecting stories from anyone who was impacted by the uncertainty surrounding SNAP and Head Start. We have a lot of work to do including directly through contract negotiations, but more broadly in terms of building working class power that creates the political power from all elected leaders to enact policies that support working people across the country.
Good jobs, healthcare, retirement security, decent homes, education, and safety, health and security. All of it depends on our solidarity with each other and other working people across the economy. “Work for free” is a sickness in our country and we need to battle it wherever it exists.
AFA in the news (before and after Congressional vote on budget bill):
- As Shutdown Nears End, Flight Delays Worsen, MSBNC
- More Flight Cancellations Expected as Shutdown Deal Moves to House, CNN
- Air Traffic Controllers Receive Another $0 Paycheck, CNN
- Air Travelers Should Brace For A ‘Hangover’ After Shutdown Ends—Here’s What To Expect, Forbes
- "Disgraceful and out of touch." Union President reacts to demand on ATC workers, CNN
- Flight attendants union leader: 'Going to be extended harm' from the government shutdown, MSNBC
- There will continue to be ripple effects on travel even after the shutdown ends, says Sara Nelson, CNBC
