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As the record-breaking federal government shutdown nears day 38, US airspace is about to get somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US terminals.

Protective Actions Implemented

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency announced air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government shutdown, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a resolution between conservative legislators and liberal officials to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a step requiring airlines to call off thousands of journeys and create a chain reaction of scheduling problems and delays at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, stated on X Thursday that the action was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating accumulating danger 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 proactive actions we are taking,” the official stated.

Travel Disruptions

Specialists anticipate hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions might account for up to 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, according to an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The affected airports covering more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – including ATL, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Orlando, California gateway, MIA and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – like NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be involved.

All three airports serving the Washington DC area – Washington Dulles international, Baltimore/Washington international and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be impacted, certainly generating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as the flying public.

Additional Developments

• This is 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 current law enforcement surge in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal involvement.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from Republicans before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, subsequent to her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the leader of the political research group behind Project 2025, has apologized for endorsing the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.