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With the record-breaking federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US skies are set to become a little less busy. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Implemented

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government closure, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a solution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Flight oversight bodies identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to cancel thousands of flights and trigger a cascade of scheduling problems and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing accumulating danger 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,” he added.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts might account for approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs covering over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – including Georgia's capital, CLT, DEN, DFW, Florida destination, Los Angeles, Miami and SFO. Among key urban centers – including NYC, Houston and Illinois hub – various airports will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the DC metro – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and Reagan National – will be involved, likely creating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• Here’s the roster of domestic airports decreasing flights on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement presence in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal setback of the federal action.
• Some Democratic legislators interpreted Tuesday’s big electoral wins as proof they should maintain their position and extract as much as possible from conservative lawmakers before approving the termination of the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, subsequent to her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• The thinktank head, the chief of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, issued an apology for endorsing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to resign.