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As the unprecedented federal government standoff approaches day 38, US skies will become less congested. Contrastingly for US terminals.

Precautionary Steps Put in Place

The federal air traffic agency has said flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government closure, setting a new duration record and with no apparent progress of a resolution between conservative legislators and Democrats to end the federal budget deadlock.

Flight oversight bodies selected “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a step requiring airlines to cancel thousands of flights and trigger a series of scheduling complications and hold-ups at major US air terminals.

Administration Remarks

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

“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official remarked.

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts could represent approximately 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats total, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Targeted Terminals

The targeted air hubs including numerous states include the highest-volume locations across the US – featuring Atlanta, Charlotte, DEN, DFW, Orlando, California gateway, MIA and SFO. Among key urban centers – like New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – various airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals serving the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and DCA – will be involved, likely creating schedule changes for lawmakers as well as additional passengers.

Other Developments

• Here’s the roster of domestic airports reducing air travel on Friday because of federal government funding lapse.
• A former Department of Justice employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during the current law enforcement increase in DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday in the latest legal rebuke of the federal intervention.
• Some Democratic legislators saw Tuesday’s significant election victories as proof they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from Republicans before consenting to conclude the lengthiest federal closure in history.
• Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “bold, groundbreaking” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, subsequent to her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she plans to retire.
• The thinktank head, the chief of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for supporting the commentator's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to step down.