Government Cuts Back US Air Travel as Government Closure Continues

With the record-breaking federal government closure approaches day 38, US skies is about to get somewhat quieter. The same cannot be said for US air travel hubs.

Safety Measures Put in Place

The current administration's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced flight numbers are being lowered to ensure air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, currently the lengthiest in history and with little indication of a solution between GOP lawmakers and Democratic representatives to end the federal budget impasse.

Airline regulators selected “busiest routes” where the FAA says air traffic needs cutting by 4% by early morning Eastern Time on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a series of scheduling issues and hold-ups at major US air terminals.

Administration Remarks

Trump’s transportation chief, Sean Duffy, stated on online platforms Thursday that the decision was “not politically driven” but rather “concerned with reviewing the data and reducing growing safety concerns 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 stated.

Airline Cutbacks

Analysts forecast hundreds or even thousands of flights might be called off. The cuts may constitute approximately 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats collectively, per an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs including over 25 states include the most trafficked across the US – including Georgia's capital, Charlotte, DEN, DFW, Florida destination, LAX, Florida hotspot and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – like NYC, Texas city and Chicago – various airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals serving the DC metro – IAD, BWI Airport and DCA – will be impacted, certainly generating delays and cancellations for government officials as well as the flying public.

Other Developments

• This is the roster of domestic airports decreasing flights on Friday as a result of federal government shutdown.
• An ex-DOJ worker who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during the current law enforcement increase in Washington DC was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on Thursday representing a recent legal rebuke of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s big electoral wins as evidence they should maintain their position 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 “legend” and the “most accomplished leader in American history”, after her declaration that after 20 terms in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the right-leaning policy organization behind the policy blueprint, expressed regret for backing the host's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is rejecting appeals to leave his position.