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Amid the record-breaking federal government shutdown nears day 38, US skies is about to get less congested. The same cannot be said for US airports.

Protective Actions Implemented

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency has said flights are being reduced to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a agreement between conservative legislators and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Airline regulators selected “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to cancel thousands of flights and create a series of scheduling issues and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on X Thursday that the move was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing building risk in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

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

Travel Disruptions

Specialists anticipate hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The flight decreases could represent approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The affected airports including numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, Colorado's hub, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. Within major metropolitan areas – such as New York, Texas city and Chicago – several air terminals will be affected.

All three airports serving the DC metro – IAD, Baltimore/Washington international and DCA – will be involved, likely creating flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• This is the compilation of American air terminals reducing air travel on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw 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 setback of the federal intervention.
• Some Democratic legislators viewed Tuesday’s big electoral wins as proof they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• The thinktank head, the chief of the political research group behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to leave his position.