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Amid the record-breaking federal government standoff stretches toward day 38, US flight paths will become less congested. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Put in Place

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, now the longest recorded and with no apparent progress of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a series of scheduling issues and hold-ups at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” Duffy remarked.

Airline Cutbacks

Specialists anticipate hundreds if not thousands of flights could be canceled. The cuts could represent approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, per an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs including more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, MCO, California gateway, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. Among key urban centers – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – multiple airports will be impacted.

All three airports operating in the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, inevitably causing delays and cancellations for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a government officer during the current law enforcement increase in Washington DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Several liberal representatives interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as proof they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from Republicans before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, subsequent to her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to resign.