The already unsettled skies likely will grow less friendly to air travelers in the coming days and into the holiday season.

The nation's now fragile, extraordinarily complex and critically important air traffic control system already was facing severe staffing shortages, technological shortcomings and safety concerns. Add in the ongoing government shutdown — and the risks of it being grounded increase.

The Federal Aviation Administration said this week that it plans to reduce flight capacity by 4%, a figure that could increase daily, in 40 markets, likely including New York, to relieve staffing pressures. United Airlines is already offering to refund previously nonrefundable flights.

Air traffic controllers have always worked under difficult conditions. Over the last year, vacancies

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