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Amid the record-breaking federal government standoff nears day 38, US airspace is about to get a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Protective Actions Put in Place

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government closure, 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.

Flight oversight bodies selected “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a step requiring airlines to scrub numerous flights and cause a cascade of scheduling complications and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” 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 preventive measures we are taking,” he stated.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions may constitute up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs spanning more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the US – including ATL, CLT, Denver, Texas metroplex, MCO, California gateway, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. Among key urban centers – including New York, Houston and Illinois hub – various airports will be affected.

The trio of airports operating in the DC metro – IAD, BWI and Reagan National – will be impacted, likely creating delays and cancellations for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals reducing air travel on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who hurled a sandwich at a government officer during the current law enforcement surge in Washington DC was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s big electoral wins as evidence they should hold the line and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the political research group behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for backing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.