Air traffic officials warned Tuesday that the nation’s flight system remains dangerously fragile after the 43-day shutdown, with controllers operating at a 25% staffing deficit and reporting unprecedented resignations from the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.

At a Senate aviation subcommittee hearing, industry leaders, union officials, and aviation manufacturers described an exhausted workforce, mounting safety concerns, and deepening disruptions across the aviation supply chain. Chairman Jerry Moran (R-KS) said he was “pleased” that delays were easing ahead of Thanksgiving but warned that “lingering strain and fatigue on the system” should be expected as 31 million passengers prepare to fly next week.

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