The Federal Aviation Administration on Saturday eased flight reductions, lowering the cuts from 6% to 3% following the reopening of the federal government.

“The decision reflects improvements in air traffic controller staffing levels and a continued decline in staffing-trigger events across the National Airspace System (NAS),” said the FAA's announcement on Friday.

“The 3 percent reduction will remain in place while the FAA monitors system performance throughout the weekend and evaluates whether normal operations can resume.”

The reductions affect 40 airports.

After the government shutdown ended on Wednesday, officials warned that flights would not immediately return to normal, The Hill reported.

During the 43-day government shutdown, air traffic controllers were asked to work without pay to maintain air travel stability, and some reportedly worked second jobs amid financial constraints. There was a total of 996 flight cancellations on Thursday morning, which had dropped from 2,953 on Sunday.

On Nov. 8, there were 81 staffing triggers, which dropped to three on Friday.

“There has been a rapid decline in controller callouts,” the FAA and DOT said in a Wednesday statement.

“Such strong staffing levels suggest a further ramp up in-flight reductions are not necessary to keep the traveling public safe. As the federal government reopens and controllers receive their backpay, the FAA will continue to monitor staffing levels and review key trend lines.”