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With the unprecedented federal government closure stretches toward day 38, US airspace will become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Safety Measures Put in Place

Donald Trump’s aviation regulatory body announced air travel is being curtailed to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no sign of a resolution between conservative legislators and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget standoff.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a chain reaction of scheduling problems and hold-ups at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Official Statement

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, wrote on social media Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “involving evaluation the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

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

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts may constitute as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs covering numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – featuring Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, DEN, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, LAX, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. Among key urban centers – including NYC, Houston and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be involved.

Each of the three air terminals serving the nation's capital region – Dulles Airport, BWI Airport and DCA – will be impacted, inevitably causing flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a federal agent during the current law enforcement surge in DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Several liberal representatives interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and extract as much as possible from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her announcement that following two decades in Congress she intends to step down.
• Kevin Roberts, the director of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, issued an apology for backing the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.