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FAA closes probe into airline compliance with shutdown flight cuts

By Reuters Reuters
A pilot carries a suitcase and a coffee cup while walking past travelers near a Chicago Blackhawks logo as flight delays persist amid FAA measures more than a month into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., November 10, 2025. REUTERS/Chris Helgren TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A pilot carries a suitcase and a coffee cup while walking past travelers near a Chicago Blackhawks logo as flight delays persist amid FAA measures more than a month into the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., November 10, 2025. REUTERS/Chris Helgren TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Chris Helgren Reuters

WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration told Congress late Monday it closed its investigation into airlines that did not comply with required flight cuts at 40 major airports during the 2025 government shutdown without seeking any fines.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said in written responses to questions from senators seen by Reuters that after sending letters of investigation to airlines on apparent noncompliance the agency determined "all airlines except one were in substantial compliance with the restrictions." One unnamed airline not in compliance "received an administrative warning," Bedford added.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 9:18 AM.

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