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With the historic federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US flight paths are set to become less congested. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

Donald Trump’s aviation regulatory body has said air travel is being curtailed 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 liberal officials to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a move that would force airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a chain reaction of scheduling problems and setbacks at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on X Thursday that the action was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating accumulating danger in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” he remarked.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions may constitute approximately 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals spanning over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, Denver, DFW, MCO, LAX, Florida hotspot and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – several air terminals will be involved.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be involved, likely creating schedule changes for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a federal agent during the administration's law enforcement surge in the capital received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from Republicans before consenting to conclude the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, after her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the conservative initiative, has apologized for supporting the commentator's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.