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As the unprecedented federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US flight paths will become a little less busy. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Put in Place

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a solution between conservative legislators and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators pinpointed “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a chain reaction of scheduling problems and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the move was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” Duffy added.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions may constitute up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The affected airports spanning over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – including ATL, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, Texas metroplex, Orlando, LAX, MIA and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities – such as NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – various airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be impacted, likely creating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports cutting flights on Friday because of federal government closure.
• An ex-DOJ worker who hurled a sandwich at a government officer during the current law enforcement surge in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as evidence they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, after her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the director of the conservative thinktank behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for supporting the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.