Niraj Chokshi

The Federal Aviation Administration raised a production limit that the regulator had imposed after a door panel blew off a plane during a flight last year.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have accounted for most of the industry’s profits since 2022. Their appeal to wealthy travelers could become a liability if the economy weakens.

The delays came just hours after the transportation secretary warned that flying could be disrupted by the government shutdown.

Carriers like Spirit and Frontier have lost customers to bigger competitors and seen their costs balloon. Some are in financial distress.

During the last government shutdown, which began in late 2018, many demoralized workers called out sick or did not show up to work.

United Airlines said it had a very good summer at Newark airport. But air traffic control equipment issues and staffing shortages remained unresolved.

The airline said fewer flights were delayed and more travelers were using the airport after air traffic control challenges and runway construction caused a crisis in the spring.

The projects would allow small electric or hybrid aircraft to carry passengers or cargo before federal regulators approve their commercial use.

A five-week strike at plants that make military aircraft and equipment will continue after 3,200 union members voted down the proposed agreement.

Workers who make military aircraft and equipment in the St. Louis area have been on strike since early August after rejecting an earlier agreement.