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Amid the record-breaking federal government shutdown stretches toward day 38, US flight paths are set to become less congested. This doesn't apply for US airports.

Safety Measures Implemented

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a resolution between conservative legislators and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a series of scheduling complications and delays at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, wrote on X Thursday that the decision was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “involving evaluation the data and alleviating accumulating danger 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.

Travel Disruptions

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions might account for up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats combined, based on an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs covering over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Texas metroplex, MCO, LAX, MIA and SFO. Among key urban centers – like NYC, Houston and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be involved.

Each of the three air terminals operating in the nation's capital region – IAD, Baltimore/Washington international and Reagan National – will be involved, likely creating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• Below is the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement surge in the capital was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal involvement.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should hold the line and extract as much as possible from GOP members before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, subsequent to her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The conservative leader, the chief of the conservative thinktank behind the conservative initiative, issued an apology for endorsing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.