🔗 Share this article

As the record-breaking federal government closure nears day 38, US skies are set to become somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US airports.

Protective Actions Implemented

The current administration's air traffic agency has said flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a solution between conservative legislators and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators selected “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a series of scheduling problems and hold-ups at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Government Commentary

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, commented on X Thursday that the move was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he remarked.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases may constitute up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats combined, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs including over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – including Atlanta, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, California gateway, MIA and Bay Area airport. Within major metropolitan areas – like New York, Texas city and Chicago – several air terminals will be involved.

All three airports operating in the nation's capital region – IAD, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, inevitably causing schedule changes for elected representatives as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports cutting flights on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement surge in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should stand firm and secure the best deal 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.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, has apologized for supporting the commentator's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.