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With the historic federal government shutdown nears day 38, US skies is about to get a little less busy. The same cannot be said for US terminals.

Safety Measures Implemented

The federal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated flights are being reduced to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, currently the lengthiest in history and with no apparent progress of a agreement between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget impasse.

Aviation authorities pinpointed “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to cancel thousands of flights and create a series of scheduling issues and setbacks at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he stated.

Airline Cutbacks

Specialists anticipate hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases could represent approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, based on an calculation by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The involved terminals spanning more than two dozen states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring Georgia's capital, CLT, Colorado's hub, Dallas/Fort Worth, Florida destination, California gateway, Florida hotspot and SFO. Within major metropolitan areas – including NYC, Texas city and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports serving the DC metro – IAD, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, likely creating delays and cancellations for elected representatives as well as additional passengers.

Additional Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• A former Department of Justice employee who hurled a sandwich at a federal officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal setback of the federal action.
• Some Democratic legislators interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as evidence they should stand firm and secure the best deal from conservative lawmakers before approving the termination of the record-breaking budget standoff 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 after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the director of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for endorsing the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to leave his position.