🔗 Share this article

As the record-breaking federal government shutdown nears day 38, US skies are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US terminals.

Protective Actions Put in Place

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency announced flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no apparent progress of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Flight oversight bodies identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling complications and delays at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating accumulating danger in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” the official added.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. These reductions may constitute up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The affected airports spanning over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – including Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, DEN, DFW, MCO, California gateway, Miami and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities – like NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – various airports will be involved.

The trio of airports serving the Washington DC area – Washington Dulles international, BWI and DCA – will be impacted, certainly generating flight disruptions for government officials as well as other travelers.

Related Updates

• Here’s the list of US airports cutting flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• An ex-DOJ worker who hurled a sandwich at a federal agent during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the capital received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as evidence 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 “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her statement that following two decades in Congress she intends to step down.
• Kevin Roberts, the director of the conservative thinktank behind the conservative initiative, issued an apology for backing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to step down.