Federal Authorities Reduces US Air Travel as Shutdown Stretches On

As the historic federal government closure nears day 38, US airspace are set to become less congested. The same cannot be said for US airports.

Safety Measures Put in Place

The federal aviation regulatory body stated flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Flight oversight bodies pinpointed “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a cascade of scheduling complications and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the decision was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” the official remarked.

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases may constitute up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, according to an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The affected airports spanning over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – such as Georgia's capital, CLT, Colorado's hub, Texas metroplex, Orlando, LAX, Miami and Bay Area airport. Within major metropolitan areas – like NYC, Houston and Chicago – several air terminals will be involved.

The trio of airports serving the nation's capital region – Dulles Airport, BWI Airport and DCA – will be affected, likely creating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as additional passengers.

Additional Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government closure.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a federal agent during the administration's law enforcement presence in DC was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as evidence they should maintain their position and extract as much as possible from Republicans before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, following her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• The conservative leader, the director of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for endorsing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.