Airlines have canceled more than 7,500 flights since Friday due to weather and air traffic control shortages, but it now appears relief is in sight as more controllers show up for work with news of a possible end to the government shutdown. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities decreased significantly from this weekend to Tuesday as controllers appear hopeful a paycheck is on the way. 

“Saturday, Sunday, Monday — very rough travel days, significant cancellations and significant delays,” Duffy told reporters. “However, today has been a much better day. A lot more air traffic controllers are coming in. On Saturday, we had 81 staffing triggers. Today, we have four. So I think our air traffic controllers are seeing an end to the shutdown and feel more hopeful.”

However, Duffy said the previously announced flight reductions currently in place at 40 major airports will increase to 10% by Friday even if the shutdown ends. Duffy says the decision is based on safety data and restrictions will remain in place until the team sees improvement in the data.

How soon could airline operations and schedules return to normal? 

Experts say once the Department of Transportation lifts its 10% flight cut mandate, it will take several days for airlines to recalibrate their networks before things are completely back to normal. 

When will controllers get paid?

Duffy said controllers will receive 70% of their paychecks within 24 to 48 hours after the government shutdown ends. The remaining amount will come within a week after the government reopens.

Duffy also warned that if the House doesn’t vote to reopen the government, it could result in “massive disruptions” for air travel as soon as this weekend. 

“If the government doesn’t open, it is going to radically slow down,” Duffy said. “So the House has to do its work. And by the way, I am very hopeful. It seems like they’re in a good mood to come in and vote to open the government.”

What to know if your flight is canceled or delayed

Passengers are entitled to a full cash refund if their flight is canceled by the airline and they choose not to rebook. If the airline does not cancel the flight but a traveler chooses not to fly, they are not entitled to a refund on most tickets and in many cases will only receive a flight credit.

Experts recommend booking directly with the airline as it’s easier and quicker to cancel or make any changes to your flight.

Another tip for travelers is to download the airline app to receive the quickest and most updated information on their flight and fly on an early morning flight, as those flights have seen fewer disruptions. Early morning flights also allow more opportunity to rebook on a flight the same day.