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With the record-breaking federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US skies are set to become a little less busy. This doesn't apply for US airports.

Safety Measures Implemented

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no sign of a agreement between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Airline regulators pinpointed “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling complications and delays at key American travel hubs.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on X Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating building risk 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,” he added.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions could represent approximately 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, based on an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals spanning more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring Georgia's capital, CLT, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, MCO, LAX, MIA and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – like NYC, Texas city and Chicago – multiple airports will be affected.

All three airports serving the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, certainly generating schedule changes for elected representatives as well as additional passengers.

Related Updates

• This is the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday as a result of federal government closure.
• A former Department of Justice employee who tossed food at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement surge in Washington DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as proof they should hold the line and secure the best deal from GOP members before approving the termination of the longest government shutdown in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, after her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
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