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With the historic federal government closure stretches toward day 38, US flight paths is about to get less congested. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Precautionary Steps Put in Place

The federal aviation regulatory body stated flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a agreement between Republicans and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Airline regulators identified “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a move that would force airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a series of scheduling issues and delays at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he added.

Travel Disruptions

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts may constitute approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals covering more than two dozen states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as Georgia's capital, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, California gateway, Florida hotspot and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports operating in the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be impacted, likely creating schedule changes for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday because of federal government closure.
• An ex-DOJ worker who tossed food at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal action.
• Certain Democratic lawmakers saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as evidence they should hold the line and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before consenting to conclude the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, after her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.