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Amid the record-breaking federal government closure approaches day 38, US airspace is about to get somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a resolution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Airline regulators selected “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and trigger a series of scheduling problems and delays at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating 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 added.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions might account for as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The affected airports spanning numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as Georgia's capital, CLT, Colorado's hub, Texas metroplex, Orlando, California gateway, Miami and San Francisco. Within major metropolitan areas – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be impacted, likely creating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• This is the compilation of American air terminals reducing air travel on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s major voting successes as proof they should maintain their position 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 “icon” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, following her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• Kevin Roberts, the director of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.