🔗 Share this article Administration Lowers US Flights as Shutdown Drags On As the historic federal government closure stretches toward day 38, US airspace are set to become somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US airports. Safety Measures Put in Place The federal air traffic agency stated flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no sign of a solution between conservative legislators and liberal officials to end the federal budget impasse. Aviation authorities selected “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 call off thousands of journeys and cause a series of scheduling problems and setbacks at key American travel hubs. Administration Remarks The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, commented on social media Thursday that the action was “not about politics” but rather “involving evaluation the data and alleviating growing safety concerns in the system as controllers continue working without pay”. “Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” the official added. Flight Cancellations Analysts forecast numerous potentially thousands of flights could be canceled. These reductions could represent approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats total, based on an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium. Targeted Terminals The targeted air hubs spanning numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – including Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Texas metroplex, MCO, LAX, Florida hotspot and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – such as NYC, Houston and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be involved. Each of the three air terminals serving the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, BWI and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be affected, likely creating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as the flying public. Other Developments This is the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse. A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a federal agent during the administration's law enforcement increase in DC was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rejection of the federal intervention. Certain Democratic lawmakers interpreted Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should hold the line 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 “icon” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, following her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office. The conservative leader, the leader of the conservative thinktank behind the policy blueprint, has apologized for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to resign.