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As the record-breaking federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US skies are set to become a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Protective Actions Implemented

The current administration's air traffic agency has said flight numbers are being lowered to uphold air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with little indication of a agreement between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “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 create a cascade of scheduling complications and delays at some of the nation’s largest airports.

Official Statement

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and alleviating accumulating danger in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

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

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights could be canceled. The flight decreases might account for up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs covering more than two dozen states include the busiest ones across the US – including Atlanta, North Carolina's city, Colorado's hub, DFW, Florida destination, California gateway, Miami and Bay Area airport. Among key urban centers – like New York, Houston and Illinois hub – various airports will be involved.

The trio of airports operating in the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, Baltimore/Washington international and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, inevitably causing delays and cancellations for government officials as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• Here’s the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday due to federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who tossed food at a federal agent 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 rejection of the federal action.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as indication they should maintain their position and gain maximum concessions from GOP members before agreeing to end the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, subsequent to her statement that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for backing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to leave his position.