🔗 Share this article

With the record-breaking federal government shutdown nears day 38, US flight paths are set to become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US airports.

Precautionary Steps Put in Place

The federal air traffic agency announced flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, currently the lengthiest in history and with no apparent progress of a solution between conservative legislators and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff.

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 cancel thousands of flights and create a chain reaction of scheduling issues and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and mitigating growing safety concerns in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official stated.

Flight Cancellations

Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts may constitute approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, per an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The affected airports covering over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – featuring Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, DFW, Florida destination, Los Angeles, MIA and Bay Area airport. Among key urban centers – including New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the Washington DC area – Dulles Airport, BWI Airport and DCA – will be involved, likely creating schedule changes for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday as a result of federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who tossed food at a federal officer during the current law enforcement presence in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers viewed Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should stand firm and secure the best deal from Republicans before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, following her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the director of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.