🔗 Share this article

Amid the record-breaking federal government standoff stretches toward day 38, US skies is about to get somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Put in Place

The federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a solution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities selected “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a chain reaction of scheduling issues and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

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

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

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions may constitute approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, according to an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs spanning over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Orlando, LAX, MIA and San Francisco. Among key urban centers – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be impacted.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the nation's capital region – Dulles Airport, BWI Airport and DCA – will be impacted, likely creating flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement increase in the capital was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal setback of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, subsequent to her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• Kevin Roberts, the director of the political research group behind the conservative initiative, has apologized for supporting the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.