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With the unprecedented federal government closure stretches toward day 38, US skies is about to get less congested. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

Donald Trump’s aviation regulatory body has said flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control safety during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a solution between Republicans and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget standoff.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a step requiring airlines to scrub numerous flights and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling problems and hold-ups at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the move was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing growing safety concerns 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,” Duffy added.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions might account for as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs spanning over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring Atlanta, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, DFW, Florida destination, LAX, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. Among key urban centers – including New York, Texas city and Chicago – several air terminals will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be involved, certainly generating delays and cancellations for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the list of US airports cutting flights on Friday because of federal government funding lapse.
• A former Department of Justice employee who hurled a sandwich at a government officer during the current law enforcement presence in the capital received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal intervention.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from Republicans before consenting to conclude the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “icon” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, after her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to resign.