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As the unprecedented federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US airspace are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

The federal air traffic agency has said flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government closure, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Flight oversight bodies identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling problems and delays at key American travel hubs.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the move was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

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

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights could be canceled. The flight decreases may constitute up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, based on an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs covering numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – featuring Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, DFW, Orlando, Los Angeles, Florida hotspot and SFO. Within major metropolitan areas – such as NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports operating in the nation's capital region – IAD, Baltimore/Washington international and Reagan National – will be affected, likely creating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as additional passengers.

Related Updates

• Here’s the roster of domestic airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a government officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the capital was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal 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 “symbol” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, subsequent to her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the director of the political research group behind the conservative initiative, has apologized for backing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to leave his position.