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As the historic federal government shutdown approaches day 38, US flight paths are set to become less congested. This doesn't apply for US airports.

Protective Actions Enacted

The current administration's air traffic agency has said flight numbers are being lowered to maintain air traffic control security during the federal government funding lapse, now the longest recorded and with no apparent progress of a agreement between Republicans and Democrats to end the federal budget standoff.

Airline regulators selected “congested corridors” where the FAA says air traffic must be reduced by 4% by 6 a.m. Eastern on Friday, an action that will compel airlines to call off thousands of journeys and cause a cascade of scheduling complications and delays at major US air terminals.

Administration Remarks

The administration's transportation head, Sean Duffy, stated on social media Thursday that the move was “not about politics” but rather “about assessing the data and mitigating accumulating danger in the system as controllers continue working without pay”.

“Air travel remains secure today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” Duffy remarked.

Airline Cutbacks

Experts predict hundreds or even thousands of flights may be scrapped. The cuts could represent up to 1,800 flights and more than 268,000 seats collectively, according to an projection by the aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Impacted Locations

The targeted air hubs spanning numerous states include the most trafficked across the US – including Atlanta, North Carolina's city, Denver, Texas metroplex, MCO, LAX, MIA and Bay Area airport. In some of the biggest cities – including New York, Texas city and Illinois hub – multiple airports will be affected.

Each of the three air terminals serving the DC metro – IAD, BWI Airport and DCA – will be impacted, inevitably causing schedule changes for elected representatives as well as the flying public.

Related Updates

• This is the list of US airports reducing air travel on Friday as a result of federal government funding lapse.
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