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With the unprecedented federal government standoff nears day 38, US skies will become less congested. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Implemented

The federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, currently the lengthiest in history and with no apparent progress of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff.

Aviation authorities selected “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a step requiring airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a cascade of scheduling issues and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the move was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he remarked.

Airline Cutbacks

Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts might account for approximately 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, based on an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs spanning over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – featuring Georgia's capital, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, DFW, Florida destination, California gateway, MIA and Bay Area airport. Among key urban centers – including New York, Texas city and Chicago – several air terminals will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals serving the Washington DC area – Washington Dulles international, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, likely creating schedule changes for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Related Updates

• This is the compilation of American air terminals reducing air travel on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• A former Department of Justice employee who hurled a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal intervention.
• Several liberal representatives interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should stand firm and extract as much as possible from Republicans before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her announcement that following two decades in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the director of the political research group behind the conservative initiative, has apologized for endorsing the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to resign.