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With the record-breaking federal government shutdown nears day 38, US skies will become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Enacted

The current administration's aviation regulatory body announced air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a agreement between Republicans and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators selected “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a cascade of scheduling problems and hold-ups at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on X Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” he stated.

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast hundreds or even thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts may constitute up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats total, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs spanning over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – including Atlanta, North Carolina's city, DEN, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, LAX, MIA and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be impacted.

All three airports serving the DC metro – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and DCA – will be involved, certainly generating delays and cancellations for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• Here’s the compilation of American air terminals decreasing flights on Friday because of federal government funding lapse.
• An ex-DOJ worker who tossed food at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Several liberal representatives interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as evidence they should hold the line and extract as much as possible from GOP members before agreeing to end the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, subsequent to her announcement that following two decades in Congress she will leave office.
• The conservative leader, 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 resisting calls to leave his position.