The Federal Aviation Administration reduced its flight cut requirements at 40 major airports on Friday, signaling progress in the country’s recovery from a severe air traffic controller shortage caused by the record 43-day government shutdown.

As of Saturday morning, airlines now only need to cancel 3% of their flights, down from the previous 6% requirement, according to the FAA and Department of Transportation. The agencies said improved staffing levels prompted the rollback after the shutdown ended Wednesday night.

The FAA first imposed the unprecedented restrictions on Nov. 7, citing safety concerns as absences mounted at air traffic facilities and airport towers. Controllers were among federal employees required to work without pay during the shutdown.

The flight cuts, which began a

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