FAA probes airlines over shutdown flight cuts
The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation on December 5, 2025 into how U.S. airlines implemented FAA-ordered flight reductions during the federal shutdown, a move that could affect carriers serving Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The agency previously imposed nationwide cutbacks that included MSP; the probe will review carriers’ compliance and could lead to enforcement actions.
📌 Key Facts
- Who/What: FAA launches investigation into U.S. airlines’ handling of shutdown-era flight cut orders
- When: Announced December 5, 2025
- Where/Impact: Nationwide; MSP was among airports operating under FAA limits
📊 Relevant Data
The 2025 US government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, due to Congress failing to pass appropriations bills amid a budget deadlock between Republicans and Democrats.
Is the US government shutdown over, and why did it happen? — BBC
The 2025 government shutdown affected approximately 1.4 million federal employees, who were forced to go without pay for weeks.
Is the US government shutdown over, and why did it happen? — BBC
In 2024, the FAA employed 14,264 air traffic controllers, with over 40% of FAA facilities understaffed.
Air traffic controller staffing has plummeted since 2012, according to data from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
America is grappling with an air traffic controller shortage. Can AI ... — CNN
As of 2023, the workforce of air traffic controllers and airfield operations specialists is 79.9% male and 20.1% female.
Air traffic controllers & airfield operations specialists — Data USA
As of 2023, the workforce of air traffic controllers and airfield operations specialists is 71.8% White.
Air traffic controllers & airfield operations specialists — Data USA