DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver International Airport has asked the Federal Aviation Administration for a waiver that would allow the airport to use its funds to pay air traffic controllers during the federal government shutdown.
The airport announced the request hours after the FAA said Wednesday that the agency would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 “high-volume” markets starting Friday to maintain safety during the shutdown. DIA’s announcement did not directly mention the FAA’s plan.
The FAA said it would release a list on Thursday with the markets that would see the reduction.
Air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1. There have been staffing shortages across the country, including in Denver.
With the waiver, DIA said it will also request reimbursement from the federal government once the shutdown is over.
“As the shutdown drags on, air traffic controllers, in particular, are being stressed unnecessarily,” said airport CEO Phil Washington. “We would love to be able to do more and provide wage support for all the federal workers at DEN, as they are all critical to our operation, but given the number of federal employees, we are only able to support controllers at this time.”
The airport said it started a food and essentials pantry for all federal workers at the airport. Non-perishable food, toiletries, baby supplies and pet supplies can be dropped off at the Final Approach cell phone lot building along Peña Boulevard or the information booth in the center of the Great Hall on level 5.
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