🔗 Share this article Federal Authorities Lowers US Air Travel as Shutdown Drags On Amid the unprecedented federal government closure approaches day 38, US skies is about to get somewhat quieter. This doesn't apply for US airports. Safety Measures Put in Place The federal air traffic agency announced air travel is being curtailed to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a resolution between Republicans and liberal officials to end the federal budget impasse. Airline regulators pinpointed “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to scrub numerous flights and create a series of scheduling problems and delays at key American travel hubs. Administration Remarks The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the move 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”. “It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” the official added. Flight Cancellations Analysts forecast hundreds if not thousands of flights might be called off. These reductions may constitute as many as 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium. Targeted Terminals The targeted air hubs covering numerous states include the busiest ones across the US – such as Georgia's capital, CLT, DEN, DFW, Florida destination, California gateway, Miami and SFO. Among key urban centers – including New York, Houston and Chicago – several air terminals will be affected. All three airports serving the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI and DCA – will be affected, likely creating flight disruptions for elected representatives as well as additional passengers. Other Developments Here’s the compilation of American air terminals decreasing flights on Friday due to federal government funding lapse. A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in the capital received a not guilty verdict of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rebuke of the federal action. Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s major voting successes as indication they should stand firm and gain maximum concessions from Republicans before approving the termination of the longest government shutdown in history. Democratic officials lauded Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, following her statement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down. The conservative leader, the director of the right-leaning policy organization behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for backing the commentator's interview with Hitler admirer Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to step down.