FAA Launches Investigation Into US Airlines Over Flight Cuts Ordered During the Shutdown

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into whether U.S. airlines complied with an emergency order to cut flights at 40 major airports during the recent government shutdown. The FAA warned airlines on Monday that they could face fines of up to $75,000 for each flight over the mandated reductions, which varied between 3% and 6%. The 43-day shutdown that began Oct. 1 led to long delays as unpaid air traffic controllers missed work. The FAA has said it required the flight cuts to ensure safety. More than 10,000 flights were canceled.