🔗 Share this article

Amid the historic federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US airspace is about to get somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US airports.

Protective Actions Implemented

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said air travel is being curtailed to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a resolution between conservative legislators and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities selected “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to call off thousands of journeys and trigger a cascade of scheduling problems and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating 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,” he stated.

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts may constitute up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, based on an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The involved terminals covering over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, California gateway, MIA and San Francisco. Among key urban centers – such as NYC, Texas city and Chicago – several air terminals will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, Baltimore/Washington international and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, certainly generating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• This is the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday due to federal government funding lapse.
• A previous justice department staffer who hurled a sandwich at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement increase in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal intervention.
• Several liberal representatives saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as evidence they should maintain their position 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 “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to resign.