🔗 Share this article

Amid the historic federal government closure approaches day 38, US airspace will become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US airports.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

The federal aviation regulatory body announced flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, currently the lengthiest in history and with little indication of a resolution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a cascade of scheduling issues and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not about politics” but rather “involving evaluation the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” the official remarked.

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions could represent as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, per an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs covering numerous states include the most trafficked across the US – including Atlanta, North Carolina's city, DEN, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, Los Angeles, MIA and SFO. Among key urban centers – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – multiple airports will be involved.

All three airports serving the DC metro – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and DCA – will be impacted, inevitably causing delays and cancellations for government officials as well as additional passengers.

Additional Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports cutting flights on Friday because of federal government closure.
• An ex-DOJ worker who hurled a sandwich at a federal agent during the administration's law enforcement presence in the capital received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rejection of the federal intervention.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from Republicans 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 “legend” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, subsequent to her statement that following two decades in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, expressed regret for supporting the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to resign.