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As the record-breaking federal government closure stretches toward day 38, US airspace are set to become a little less busy. This doesn't apply for US airports.

Precautionary Steps Implemented

The federal aviation regulatory body stated air travel is being curtailed to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government closure, currently the lengthiest in history and with no apparent progress of a agreement between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators identified “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a series of scheduling problems and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on X Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

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

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts might account for as many as 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, based on an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs including over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as Georgia's capital, CLT, DEN, DFW, MCO, California gateway, Florida hotspot and Bay Area airport. Among key urban centers – like New York, Houston and Illinois hub – various airports will be affected.

All three airports serving the DC metro – IAD, BWI Airport and DCA – will be affected, certainly generating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the list of US airports cutting flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• An ex-DOJ worker who hurled a sandwich at a federal officer during the administration's law enforcement presence in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Several liberal representatives saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as indication they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from conservative lawmakers before approving the termination of the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the chief of the right-leaning policy organization behind Project 2025, has apologized for backing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to leave his position.