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As the unprecedented federal government closure stretches toward day 38, US airspace will become somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Put in Place

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, now the longest recorded and with no apparent progress of a agreement between conservative legislators and liberal officials to end the federal budget deadlock.

Flight oversight bodies identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a series of scheduling issues and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on social media Thursday that the move was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” Duffy stated.

Travel Disruptions

Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The affected airports spanning over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – including Atlanta, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, DFW, Orlando, LAX, Florida hotspot and SFO. Among key urban centers – like NYC, Houston and Chicago – multiple airports will be involved.

The trio of airports serving the DC metro – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, inevitably causing flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as the flying public.

Related Updates

• Here’s the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement surge in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as proof they should hold the line and secure the best deal from Republicans before approving the termination of the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, following her announcement that following two decades in Congress she plans to retire.
• Kevin Roberts, the chief of the political research group behind Project 2025, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.