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Amid the historic federal government closure nears day 38, US airspace will become somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US terminals.

Safety Measures Put in Place

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency has said air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government closure, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a agreement between Republicans and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget standoff.

Flight oversight bodies pinpointed “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 scrub numerous flights and create a chain reaction of scheduling issues and delays at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the action was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official remarked.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. These reductions may constitute as many as 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats combined, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs including more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring ATL, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, Los Angeles, Miami and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – including NYC, Houston and Illinois hub – various airports will be involved.

Each of the three air terminals serving the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI Airport and DCA – will be impacted, inevitably causing delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• Below is the roster of domestic airports decreasing flights on Friday due to federal government funding lapse.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement surge in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal setback of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators viewed Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before approving the termination of the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her declaration that following two decades in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, has apologized for supporting the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to step down.