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As the record-breaking federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US skies is about to get less congested. Contrastingly for US airports.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

The current administration's aviation regulatory body announced flights are being reduced to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no sign of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities selected “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a move that would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a cascade of scheduling issues and delays at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, wrote on X Thursday that the move was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” Duffy added.

Travel Disruptions

Specialists anticipate hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions could represent up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats combined, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs covering more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – including Atlanta, CLT, DEN, DFW, Orlando, LAX, Miami and SFO. Within major metropolitan areas – such as NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be impacted.

The trio of airports serving the DC metro – Dulles Airport, BWI and DCA – will be affected, inevitably causing delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as additional passengers.

Additional Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• A former Department of Justice employee who threw a sandwich at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement presence in the capital was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers viewed Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her announcement that following two decades in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.