Administration Cuts Back US Air Travel as Government Closure Drags On

With the record-breaking federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US flight paths are set to become somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US airports.

Safety Measures Enacted

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government closure, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget deadlock.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, a move that would force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and trigger a chain reaction of scheduling issues and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Official Statement

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the decision was “not about politics” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and alleviating 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 proactive actions we are taking,” Duffy stated.

Flight Cancellations

Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts could represent approximately 1,800 flights and over 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 most trafficked across the US – including Georgia's capital, North Carolina's city, DEN, DFW, Florida destination, LAX, Florida hotspot and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – like NYC, Texas city and Chicago – multiple airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports serving the DC metro – IAD, BWI Airport and Reagan National – will be affected, inevitably causing schedule changes for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• This is the list of US airports decreasing flights on Friday because of federal government shutdown.
• A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a government officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington DC received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal setback of the federal intervention.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s big electoral wins as evidence they should stand firm and gain maximum concessions from Republicans before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, after her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down.
• Kevin Roberts, the chief of the political research group behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for supporting the commentator's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to resign.