🔗 Share this article Government Lowers US Air Travel as Shutdown Stretches On As the historic federal government closure nears day 38, US skies are set to become less congested. Contrastingly for US terminals. Safety Measures Put in Place Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a solution between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff. Aviation authorities pinpointed “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and cause a series of scheduling problems and setbacks at key American travel hubs. Official Statement The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing building risk in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”. “Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official remarked. Airline Cutbacks Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions may constitute approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 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 – such as Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, DEN, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, Los Angeles, MIA and SFO. Within major metropolitan areas – including NYC, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be affected. Each of the three air terminals operating in the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be affected, inevitably causing flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as the flying public. Additional Developments This is the list of US airports cutting flights on Friday because of federal government funding lapse. A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement surge in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal setback of the federal intervention. Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should maintain their position and extract as much as possible from Republicans before approving the termination of the longest government shutdown in history. Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” 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 will leave office. Kevin Roberts, the director of the political research group behind Project 2025, expressed regret for endorsing Tucker Carlson’s interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.