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As the record-breaking federal government closure approaches day 38, US skies will become less congested. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Precautionary Steps Put in Place

The federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, currently the lengthiest in history and with no apparent progress of a agreement between Republicans and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Flight oversight bodies pinpointed “congested corridors” 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 cause a series of scheduling complications and delays at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the action was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and mitigating building risk in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” the official added.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The flight decreases might account for approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats total, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs covering over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – including Atlanta, CLT, Denver, DFW, Florida destination, LAX, MIA and San Francisco. Within major metropolitan areas – such as New York, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be impacted.

Each of the three air terminals serving the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, Baltimore/Washington international and DCA – will be involved, likely creating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• This is the list of US airports reducing air travel on Friday as a result of federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement increase in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as evidence they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before approving the termination of 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 “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the director of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for supporting the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to resign.