🔗 Share this article

With the historic federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US airspace are set to become less congested. The same cannot be said for US airports.

Protective Actions Enacted

Donald Trump’s aviation regulatory body announced flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, now the longest recorded and with no sign of a agreement between conservative legislators and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “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 call off thousands of journeys and cause a cascade of scheduling issues and hold-ups at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing building risk 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,” Duffy added.

Airline Cutbacks

Specialists anticipate numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts might account for approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats combined, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The affected airports including numerous states include the busiest ones across the US – including ATL, North Carolina's city, Denver, Texas metroplex, Orlando, California gateway, Florida hotspot and Bay Area airport. Among key urban centers – including NYC, Houston and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the nation's capital region – Dulles Airport, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, likely creating flight disruptions for government officials as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• Below is the list of US airports reducing air travel on Friday as a result of federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement increase in the capital was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Some Democratic legislators viewed Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” 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 will leave office.
• The conservative leader, the director of the political research group behind Project 2025, issued an apology for supporting the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.