Flights across the United States are set to return to normal after the Federal Aviation Administration lifted restrictions introduced during the recent government shutdown. Airlines will be allowed to operate their regular schedules starting Monday at 6 a.m. Eastern Time. The move ends temporary limits that had been in place at 40 major airports to maintain safety. The FAA had reduced flight operations during the six-week shutdown due to concerns about air traffic controller fatigue and staffing shortages. Reports had surfaced that some controllers were refusing to work or were too tired to manage normal traffic safely. By cutting the number of flights, the FAA aimed to prevent potential accidents while the government funding dispute remained unresolved. President Donald Trump signed a bill last Wednesday to reopen the government and restore funding. This ended the standoff between Republicans and Democrats that had caused the extended shutdown. With the government back in operation, federal agencies including the FAA were able to resume normal operations and lift emergency measures. The FAA said it made the decision to lift flight restrictions after reviewing safety trends and observing a steady improvement in staffing levels. The agency monitors “staffing-trigger events,” which occur when the number of available air traffic controllers drops below a safe threshold. A decline in such events indicated that the system was now operating safely. Airline companies welcomed the announcement. Many had been forced to cut flights or adjust schedules to comply with the FAA’s restrictions. The resumption of normal operations will allow carriers to restore routes and meet the growing demand for travel. Passengers can now expect fewer delays and cancellations as airlines return to standard schedules. Industry experts said the shutdown highlighted the importance of maintaining staffing levels in the air traffic control system. The FAA relies on a highly trained workforce to manage thousands of flights each day safely. Any shortage or fatigue among controllers can have serious consequences. The emergency flight limits were a precautionary step to ensure passenger safety during a period of uncertainty. Travelers who had experienced delays and cancellations during the shutdown can now plan trips with more confidence. Airlines have been coordinating to quickly restore flights that were reduced or suspended. Many expect full recovery in flight schedules within a few days. The lifting of restrictions also signals a return to normal for airport operations and airline staff. Ground crews, pilots, and airline personnel had been affected by the emergency measures and adjusted their work schedules accordingly. Now, operations can proceed without additional limitations, making travel smoother for millions of passengers. While the government shutdown caused disruptions across many sectors, the aviation industry was among the most visibly affected. Safety concerns and limited staffing created a ripple effect, leading to delays and inconvenience for travelers nationwide. The FAA’s decision to lift restrictions provides relief and marks the start of a return to normalcy in air travel. The FAA will continue to monitor airport operations and staffing levels to ensure safety remains a top priority. Airlines are expected to work closely with the agency to maintain safe and efficient operations as normal schedules resume. With government funding restored and flight limits lifted, the United States aviation system is now prepared to handle full traffic volumes safely. Passengers can look forward to more reliable schedules, fewer delays, and a smoother travel experience in the coming days.