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As the unprecedented federal government standoff nears day 38, US airspace will become somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

The current administration's air traffic agency announced air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a resolution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators selected “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a cascade of scheduling problems and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing accumulating danger in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” Duffy added.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts might account for approximately 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats combined, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals including more than two dozen states include the highest-volume locations across the US – featuring Atlanta, North Carolina's city, DEN, Dallas/Fort Worth, Orlando, California gateway, MIA and Bay Area airport. Within major metropolitan areas – such as NYC, Texas city and Chicago – various airports will be involved.

All three airports operating in the Washington DC area – Dulles Airport, Baltimore/Washington international and Reagan National – will be impacted, likely creating flight disruptions for government officials as well as the flying public.

Related Updates

• Here’s the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday due to federal government funding lapse.
• A previous justice department staffer who hurled a sandwich at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement presence in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers viewed Tuesday’s big electoral wins as indication they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from Republicans before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for backing the commentator's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.