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As the unprecedented federal government closure approaches day 38, US airspace are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US terminals.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

The federal air traffic agency has said air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government closure, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a solution between conservative legislators and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Airline regulators 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 cancel thousands of flights and cause a series of scheduling issues and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “involving evaluation the data and alleviating growing safety concerns 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 forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he stated.

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts might account for up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The affected airports including over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, Denver, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, LAX, Miami and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – such as New York, Houston and Chicago – several air terminals will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the DC metro – Dulles Airport, BWI Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, likely creating schedule changes for government officials as well as additional passengers.

Related Updates

• Here’s the list of US airports reducing air travel on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• A former Department of Justice employee who hurled a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement surge in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal setback of the federal intervention.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should hold the line and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before consenting to conclude the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her announcement that following two decades in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for supporting Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.