Administration Lowers US Air Travel as Shutdown Continues

With the historic federal government standoff stretches toward day 38, US airspace is about to get somewhat quieter. Contrastingly for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Put in Place

Donald Trump’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced flights are being reduced to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government funding lapse, setting a new duration record and with no sign of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Airline regulators selected “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic requires reduction by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a step requiring airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause a series of scheduling problems and hold-ups at key American travel hubs.

Official Statement

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the action was “not politically driven” but rather “about assessing the data and reducing building risk in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the forward-thinking steps we are taking,” he remarked.

Flight Cancellations

Experts predict hundreds if not thousands of flights may be scrapped. These reductions may constitute as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats total, according to an estimate by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The affected airports spanning over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – including Georgia's capital, Charlotte, Colorado's hub, Texas metroplex, Florida destination, California gateway, MIA and Bay Area airport. Within major metropolitan areas – such as NYC, Texas city and Chicago – multiple airports will be impacted.

The trio of airports serving the DC metro – Washington Dulles international, BWI Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington national – will be involved, certainly generating flight disruptions for government officials as well as other travelers.

Other Developments

• Below is the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
• An ex-DOJ worker who hurled a sandwich at a government officer during Donald Trump’s law enforcement presence in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s significant election victories as indication they should maintain their position and secure the best deal from Republicans before agreeing to end the record-breaking budget standoff in history.
• Liberal lawmakers commended Nancy Pelosi as a “courageous, pioneering” member of the US House of Representatives, an “legend” and the “greatest speaker in American history”, subsequent to her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• The conservative leader, the director of the political research group behind the policy blueprint, issued an apology for supporting the host's interview with Hitler fan Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to resign.