🔗 Share this article Government Cuts Back US Air Travel as Government Closure Drags On Amid the record-breaking federal government standoff approaches day 38, US flight paths is about to get a little less busy. This doesn't apply for US terminals. Safety Measures Enacted The federal aviation regulatory body has said flights are being reduced to uphold air traffic control security during the federal government shutdown, currently the lengthiest in history and with no sign of a solution between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff. Aviation authorities identified “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, a step requiring airlines to cancel thousands of flights and create a cascade of scheduling issues and setbacks at major US air terminals. Official Statement The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, wrote on social media Thursday that the action was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing growing safety concerns in the system as controllers continue working without pay”. “It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the preventive measures we are taking,” Duffy added. Flight Cancellations Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The flight decreases might account for as many as 1,800 flights and over 268,000 seats collectively, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium. Affected Airports The involved terminals including over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – featuring ATL, CLT, Denver, DFW, Orlando, LAX, MIA and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – like New York, Texas city and Chicago – various airports will be impacted. The trio of airports operating in the nation's capital region – Washington Dulles international, BWI and Reagan National – will be affected, inevitably causing schedule changes for elected representatives as well as other travelers. Other Developments Here’s the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday due to federal government shutdown. A previous justice department staffer who tossed food at a government officer during the administration's law enforcement presence in the capital was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal setback of the federal action. Some Democratic legislators interpreted Tuesday’s big electoral wins as proof they should stand firm and secure the best deal from Republicans before consenting to conclude the longest government shutdown in history. Democrats praised Nancy Pelosi as a “heroic, trailblazing” member of the US House of Representatives, an “symbol” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, subsequent to her announcement that after 20 terms in Congress she intends to step down. The conservative leader, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is declining demands to step down.