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Amid the record-breaking federal government standoff nears day 38, US airspace are set to become somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Enacted

Donald Trump’s air traffic agency has said air travel is being curtailed to uphold air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government closure, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a agreement between conservative legislators and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and trigger a series of scheduling complications and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

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

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

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts might account for approximately 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats total, per an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs covering over 25 states include the busiest ones across the US – such as ATL, CLT, Colorado's hub, DFW, Orlando, LAX, Miami and SFO. Among key urban centers – such as New York, Houston and Chicago – multiple airports will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the nation's capital region – IAD, BWI Airport and DCA – will be impacted, certainly generating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• Here’s the roster of domestic airports cutting flights on Friday because of federal government closure.
• An ex-DOJ worker who tossed food at a federal officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal intervention.
• Several liberal representatives saw Tuesday’s major voting successes as proof they should stand firm and secure the best deal 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 “most accomplished leader in American history”, subsequent to her statement that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• The thinktank head, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind Project 2025, expressed regret for supporting the host's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to resign.