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Amid the historic federal government standoff approaches day 38, US flight paths are set to become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Protective Actions Implemented

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency has said air travel is being curtailed to maintain air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a solution between conservative legislators and liberal officials to end the federal budget deadlock.

Flight oversight bodies pinpointed “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a series of scheduling complications and setbacks at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the action was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing accumulating danger in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

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

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases may constitute up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, based on an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals including more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, DFW, Orlando, California gateway, MIA and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – such as NYC, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the Washington DC area – Washington Dulles international, BWI and Reagan National – will be affected, likely creating schedule changes for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday because of federal government funding lapse.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a federal officer during the current law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rejection of the federal intervention.
• Several liberal representatives saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should hold the line and secure the best deal from Republicans 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 “most accomplished leader in American history”, after her statement that following two decades in Congress she plans to retire.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the conservative thinktank behind Project 2025, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.