🔗 Share this article Government Lowers US Flights as Government Closure Drags On With the record-breaking federal government closure approaches day 38, US skies is about to get somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US airports. Protective Actions Implemented The current administration's air traffic agency stated air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control safety during the federal government closure, currently the lengthiest in history and with little indication of a solution between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff. Airline regulators identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and trigger a cascade of scheduling complications and hold-ups at key American travel hubs. Official Statement The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the move was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as flight directors continue working without pay”. “It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” Duffy added. Travel Disruptions Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions could represent as many as 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, per an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium. Targeted Terminals The involved terminals spanning numerous states include the busiest ones across the US – such as ATL, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Orlando, California gateway, Florida hotspot and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – such as NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – various airports will be involved. All three airports operating in the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI and Reagan National – will be involved, certainly generating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as additional passengers. Additional Developments Below is the roster of domestic airports cutting flights on Friday as a result of federal government shutdown. An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement surge in the capital was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal involvement. Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as evidence they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before approving the termination of the longest government shutdown in history. Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire. The thinktank head, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind the conservative initiative, has apologized for supporting the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to step down.