How Airport Woes Went From Bad to Worse in the Shutdown

Air travelers are starting to feel the pain of the US government shutdown, as shortages of air traffic controllers cause flight delays and cancellations across the country.

On Nov. 5, federal transportation officials announced that the US will cut flight capacity by 10% at 40 high-volume airports across the country, though international routes will be spared, to alleviate pressure on the aviation system.

Here’s what to know about the flight cutbacks and why ending the shutdown likely won’t resolve all the problems.

An FAA air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.

Photographer: Samuel Corum/Bloomberg

What’s happening at US airports?

The cuts announced on Nov. 5 will reduce domestic flight volumes by ...