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As the record-breaking federal government standoff approaches day 38, US airspace will become a little less busy. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Put in Place

The current administration's air traffic agency stated flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a agreement between Republicans and liberal officials to end the federal budget deadlock.

Flight oversight bodies identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a series of scheduling issues and hold-ups at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the move was “not politically driven” but rather “involving evaluation the data and reducing building risk in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

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

Flight Cancellations

Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The affected airports covering more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – such as Georgia's capital, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, DFW, Orlando, Los Angeles, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. Within major metropolitan areas – including NYC, Texas city and Chicago – various airports will be affected.

All three airports operating in the nation's capital region – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and DCA – will be affected, inevitably causing schedule changes for government officials as well as the flying public.

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 federal agent during the administration's law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal setback of the federal intervention.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as evidence they should stand firm and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her statement that following two decades in Congress she will leave office.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the conservative thinktank behind Project 2025, expressed regret for endorsing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to resign.