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As the unprecedented federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US airspace is about to get less congested. This doesn't apply for US terminals.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency stated flight numbers are being lowered to uphold air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government closure, currently the lengthiest in history and with little indication of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget standoff.

Flight oversight bodies pinpointed “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a cascade of scheduling issues and delays at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, wrote on social media Thursday that the decision was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “about assessing the data and mitigating accumulating danger in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” Duffy remarked.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The flight decreases could represent approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The affected airports spanning numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – including ATL, North Carolina's city, Denver, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, Los Angeles, Miami and Bay Area airport. Among key urban centers – such as New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – various airports will be impacted.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, likely creating delays and cancellations for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• This is the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who hurled a sandwich at a federal officer during the current 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 intervention.
• Several liberal representatives saw Tuesday’s major voting successes as evidence they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before agreeing to end the longest government shutdown 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”, subsequent to her statement that following two decades in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the director of the political research group behind Project 2025, issued an apology for supporting the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.