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As the historic federal government standoff approaches day 38, US skies are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Implemented

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency has said air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government shutdown, now the longest recorded and with little indication of a agreement between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Flight oversight bodies selected “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a move that would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling complications and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, wrote on X Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” Duffy added.

Airline Cutbacks

Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts may constitute as many as 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The involved terminals including over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – such as Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, DFW, Florida destination, Los Angeles, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. Within major metropolitan areas – including NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals serving the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, likely creating flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday due to federal government funding lapse.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a federal officer during the administration's law enforcement surge in DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal setback of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should stand firm and extract as much as possible from Republicans before approving the termination of the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the director of the political research group behind Project 2025, has apologized for endorsing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to leave his position.