Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Giles Snyder.
Beginning today,
federal aviation officials are easing restrictions and allowing more flights to depart as more air traffic controllers return to work.
NPR's Joel Rose reports on this latest sign that commercial aviation is gradually returning to normal following the government shutdown.
The reductions in air traffic at dozens of major airports will be lowered from 6% to 3% of flights through the weekend.
The Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration say that reflects improvements in staffing levels at air traffic facilities.
The FAA said the restrictions were necessary to keep the airspace safe,
as the agency grappled with widespread staffing shortages of air traffic controllers during the government shutdown.
But with the shutdown over,
air traffic controllers have finally received some of the back pay they earned,
and most are now back to work.
Airlines say they're confident they can ramp up quickly and should be able to return to their full schedules before Thanksgiving holiday travel begins.
Joel Rose, NPR News, Washington.
The eight senators who brokered that controversial deal to reopen the federal government continue to face political backlash from Democrats.
Kevin Miller with Maine Public Radio reports, though,
that Senator Angus King says it was a necessary step.
King, who is an independent,
has faced intense criticism in Maine for joining seven Democrats in voting to reopen government.
As part of the deal,
Republican leaders agreed to hold a Senate vote on whether to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.