The Federal Aviation Administration announced that the 6% traffic cut imposed at 40 major airports during the federal government shutdown would be lifted at 6 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, November 17, 2025, restoring Southwest Airlines’ ability to schedule flights at those airports.
The restrictions were introduced in response to severe staffing shortages at air‑traffic‑control facilities that emerged during the 43‑day shutdown that ended on November 12. The FAA initially reduced traffic by 4%, then increased the cut to 6% before rolling it back to 3% on Friday, November 14. The decision to remove the cut entirely reflects a steady decline in staffing‑trigger events and a reassessment of safety risks.
With the restriction lifted, Southwest and other carriers can gradually return to pre‑shutdown flight levels. The airline’s operational plan includes a phased ramp‑up of flight schedules, with the expectation that on‑time performance and seat‑load factors will improve as capacity expands. The FAA’s action also signals that air‑traffic‑control staffing levels have reached a threshold that permits full operational capacity without compromising safety.
Southwest’s financial performance provides context for the operational impact. The carrier reported a net income of $261 million ($0.42 per diluted share) in Q4 2024 and $54 million ($0.10 per share) in Q3 2025, with revenue of $6.9 billion in both quarters. The company’s guidance for the remainder of 2025 remains unchanged, indicating confidence that the removal of the traffic cut will support revenue growth and margin stability. Management has emphasized continued cost discipline while investing in customer experience initiatives, suggesting that the lift will help the airline maintain its competitive position as travel demand recovers.
Market reaction to the FAA’s decision has been mixed and not clearly linked to the lift itself. While some reports noted a modest decline in airline shares following earlier FAA announcements, no consistent evidence ties the November 17 lift to a specific market move. Investors appear to be weighing the broader economic backdrop and the airline’s ongoing challenges, such as Boeing delivery delays, against the positive operational outlook.
The removal of the 6% traffic cut marks a significant step toward normalizing airline operations after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. By restoring full flight capacity at key airports, the FAA is helping Southwest and its peers to recover lost revenue, improve on‑time performance, and position themselves for the busy holiday travel season.
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