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As the historic federal government closure nears day 38, US flight paths will become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency has said flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a solution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Aviation authorities identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a cascade of scheduling complications and delays at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the move was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” he stated.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts may constitute up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats total, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The affected airports spanning numerous states include the most trafficked across the US – including Atlanta, CLT, Denver, DFW, Orlando, Los Angeles, MIA and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports operating in the Washington DC area – Dulles Airport, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, inevitably causing schedule changes for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• Below is the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday because of federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a government officer during the current law enforcement surge in Washington DC was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal setback of the federal intervention.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, subsequent to her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The conservative leader, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for supporting the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.