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As the unprecedented federal government shutdown nears day 38, US flight paths are set to become somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Enacted

Donald Trump’s aviation regulatory body stated flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget deadlock.

Flight oversight bodies identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a step requiring airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a chain reaction of scheduling problems and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating accumulating danger in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” he remarked.

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights could be canceled. These reductions might account for approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, based on an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals including numerous states include the most trafficked across the US – such as ATL, North Carolina's city, Denver, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, California gateway, Miami and SFO. Within major metropolitan areas – including New York, Houston and Chicago – various airports will be involved.

The trio of airports serving the Washington DC area – Washington Dulles international, Baltimore/Washington international and DCA – will be affected, inevitably causing flight disruptions for lawmakers as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• This is the compilation of American air terminals reducing air travel on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a government officer during the current law enforcement presence in DC was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal setback of the federal action.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should stand firm and secure the best deal from Republicans before agreeing to end the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, following her announcement that following two decades in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the chief of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to step down.