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With the unprecedented federal government standoff nears day 38, US skies are set to become less congested. This doesn't apply for US terminals.

Safety Measures Enacted

The federal aviation regulatory body announced flights are being reduced to maintain air traffic control operational integrity during the federal government shutdown, setting a new duration record and with little indication of a resolution between GOP lawmakers and liberal officials to end the federal budget standoff.

Flight oversight bodies pinpointed “high-volume markets” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6am ET on Friday, a move that would force airlines to scrub numerous flights and cause a series of scheduling issues and setbacks at major US air terminals.

Government Commentary

The federal transportation leader, Sean Duffy, commented on online platforms Thursday that the move was “unrelated to political motives” but rather “involving evaluation the data and alleviating building risk in the system as air traffic professionals continue working without pay”.

“Flying is safe today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” he stated.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict numerous potentially thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts might account for up to 1,800 flights and upwards of 268,000 seats combined, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Affected Airports

The targeted air hubs including over 25 states include the highest-volume locations across the US – such as ATL, Charlotte, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, MCO, California gateway, Miami and SFO. In some of the biggest cities – including New York, Houston and Illinois hub – several air terminals will be involved.

All three airports operating in the Washington DC area – IAD, BWI and DCA – will be involved, certainly generating flight disruptions for government officials as well as other travelers.

Additional Developments

• Here’s the compilation of American air terminals cutting flights on Friday due to federal government closure.
• A previous justice department staffer who threw a sandwich at a federal officer during the current law enforcement increase in Washington DC was acquitted of assault by a DC jury on Thursday marking another legal rejection of the federal action.
• Several liberal representatives viewed Tuesday’s big electoral wins as proof they should hold the line 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 “symbol” and the “finest presiding officer in American history”, subsequent to her declaration that post twenty congressional sessions in Congress she will leave office.
• Kevin Roberts, the leader of the political research group behind the conservative initiative, expressed regret for endorsing the commentator's interview with Hitler supporter Nick Fuentes, but is resisting calls to resign.