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As the historic federal government closure nears day 38, US skies will become somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Protective Actions Implemented

The current administration's aviation regulatory body announced flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no apparent progress of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget deadlock.

Airline regulators pinpointed “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and trigger a cascade of scheduling problems and delays at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “involving evaluation the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” the official stated.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights could be canceled. These reductions may constitute as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, according to an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs including more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the US – featuring ATL, CLT, DEN, Dallas/Fort Worth, MCO, California gateway, Miami and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – such as NYC, Houston and Chicago – multiple airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals serving the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, Baltimore/Washington international and Reagan National – will be involved, certainly generating flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• Here’s the list of US airports cutting flights on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• A former Department of Justice employee who hurled a sandwich at a federal agent during the administration's law enforcement presence in Washington DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from Republicans before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her declaration that following two decades in Congress she plans to retire.
• The conservative leader, the leader of the political research group behind Project 2025, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.