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WOKV Show Notes November 17, 2025: FAA lifts shutdown flight restrictions

Air travelers in an airport
Flight delays FILE PHOTO: Travelers walk past a flight information board at the Miami International Airport on November 10, 2025, in Miami, Florida. Airports have been experiencing delays and flight cancellations as airlines are decreasing flights at dozens of major U.S. airports to ease the pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working unpaid during the ongoing government shutdown. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Jacksonville, Fl — Good news if you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving. The FAA is lifting its flight reduction order at airports nationwide.

A reduction in flights at dozens of major airports began a week ago to help address fatigue and staffing issues among air traffic controllers during the record-long government shutdown.

Airline leaders say they’re optimistic that operations will rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period.

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AAA projects that 4.65 million Floridians will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs from Tuesday, November 25 to Monday, December 1.

This marks a 2.6% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Sunshine State.

Nationwide, AAA expects 81.8 million Americans to travel for Thanksgiving. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to 2024.

Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel holiday of the year, surpassing both Memorial Day and Independence Day.

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Rich Jones

Rich Jones

Rich Jones is the Host of Jacksonville’s Morning News. Rich joined WOKV in October 2006. Rich is involved in many community organizations and causes. Rich and his wife, Noelle, have three children: Avery, Harper and Austen.