FAA Investigates Flight Cut Violations, Warns Airlines of Heavy Penalties

The FAA said it may seek civil penalties of up to $75,000 for every flight operated above the mandated limits.

A plane passes an air traffic control tower during takeoff at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, Minn., on Nov. 7, 2025. Tim Evans/Reuters

Federal regulators have warned airlines that they are under investigation for possible violations of an emergency order requiring them to reduce flights during the government shutdown.

In a Dec. 1 announcement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has sent letters to airlines seeking information on the steps they took to comply with a Nov. 12 flight-cutting order, warning that air carriers could face significant financial penalties if found to be failing to comply.