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As the record-breaking federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US skies is about to get a little less busy. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Implemented

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a resolution between Republicans and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff.

Flight oversight bodies identified “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a chain reaction of scheduling problems and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not about politics” but rather “involving evaluation the data and mitigating building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

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

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions may constitute up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs including over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring Atlanta, CLT, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, MCO, California gateway, Florida hotspot and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – such as New York, Texas city and Chicago – multiple airports will be involved.

Each of the three air terminals serving the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI Airport and DCA – will be affected, certainly generating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• This is the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday due to federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement increase in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal setback of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as proof they should stand firm and extract as much as possible from GOP members before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the political research group behind Project 2025, expressed regret for backing the commentator's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.