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As the record-breaking federal government closure approaches day 38, US airspace are set to become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US airports.

Protective Actions Enacted

The federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced flight numbers are being lowered to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a resolution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Aviation authorities identified “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a series of scheduling complications and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he added.

Airline Cutbacks

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts might account for approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats combined, per an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs spanning numerous states include the most trafficked across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, Los Angeles, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Houston and Illinois hub – various airports will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be impacted, likely creating schedule changes for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Related Updates

• Here’s the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement increase in DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as evidence they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her statement that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the director of the political research group behind Project 2025, issued an apology for backing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to step down.