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With the historic federal government closure approaches day 38, US flight paths are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, now the longest recorded and with no apparent progress of a solution between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and create a series of scheduling complications and setbacks at key American travel hubs.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, wrote on social media Thursday that the action 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 preventive measures we are taking,” Duffy stated.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases might account for up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats total, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals spanning over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – including ATL, CLT, Denver, DFW, MCO, LAX, Florida hotspot and San Francisco. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Texas city and Chicago – various airports will be affected.

All three airports operating in the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, BWI and DCA – will be affected, likely creating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the list of US airports cutting flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a government officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal setback of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives interpreted Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from Republicans before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, following her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for endorsing the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.