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As the record-breaking federal government closure nears day 38, US skies is about to get somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Implemented

The federal aviation regulatory body announced flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a agreement between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and trigger a cascade of scheduling issues and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on X Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating building risk 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.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The flight decreases might account for as many as 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs including over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – including Georgia's capital, CLT, Denver, DFW, Florida destination, LAX, MIA and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Houston and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be impacted.

All three airports serving the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, BWI and DCA – will be impacted, certainly generating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• Here’s the list of US airports reducing air travel on Friday because of federal government funding lapse.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during the administration's law enforcement surge in Washington DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives saw Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from conservative lawmakers before approving the termination of 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 post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she plans to retire.
• The conservative leader, the director of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for supporting the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to resign.