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With the unprecedented federal government standoff approaches day 38, US skies are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US terminals.

Protective Actions Put in Place

The current administration's air traffic agency announced air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government closure, now the longest recorded and with little indication of a solution between conservative legislators and liberal officials to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling issues and setbacks at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “involving evaluation the data and reducing building risk in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

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

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases might account for up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, according to an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs spanning over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – including Atlanta, North Carolina's city, Denver, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, California gateway, MIA and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Houston and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be involved.

The trio of airports serving the nation's capital region – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and Reagan National – will be affected, certainly generating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as the flying public.

Additional Developments

• Below is the list of US airports reducing air travel on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rejection of the federal action.
• Some Democratic legislators viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from Republicans before agreeing to end the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the chief of the political research group behind Project 2025, has apologized for backing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.