Administration Lowers US Air Travel as Shutdown Stretches On

Amid the historic federal government closure nears day 38, US skies will become less congested. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Put in Place

Donald Trump’s aviation regulatory body has said flight numbers are being lowered to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Flight oversight bodies identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a series of scheduling complications and delays at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the move was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing building risk in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official added.

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts might account for up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats total, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs spanning over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as ATL, Charlotte, DEN, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, Los Angeles, MIA and SFO. Among key urban centers – like NYC, Texas city and Chicago – various airports will be impacted.

All three airports operating in the DC metro – IAD, BWI and Reagan National – will be involved, certainly generating delays and cancellations for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a federal officer during the current law enforcement surge in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal intervention.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as proof they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her announcement that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she plans to retire.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind Project 2025, has apologized for backing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to leave his position.