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As the historic federal government closure approaches day 38, US skies will become a little less busy. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government closure, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a resolution between conservative legislators and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a series of scheduling complications and delays at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” 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,” Duffy added.

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts could represent up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, per an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals including numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, DFW, Orlando, LAX, MIA and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – such as New York, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports operating in the Washington DC area – Dulles Airport, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be affected, likely creating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Related Updates

• This is the roster of domestic airports cutting flights on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement presence in DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before agreeing to end the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, issued an apology for endorsing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to resign.