Denver International Airport Seeks FAA Exemption to Support Air Traffic Controllers Amid Government Shutdown

Por Karen Gutiérrez, Univision

Denver, Colorado | 6 de noviembre de 2025

Denver International Airport Seeks FAA Exemption to Mitigate Government Shutdown Impact

Amid a nationwide air traffic crisis, Denver International Airport (DIA) is taking an unprecedented step by requesting a special exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to use its own funds for compensating air traffic controllers. These essential workers have gone without pay for over a month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The request comes on the heels of an announcement from the FAA regarding a 10% reduction in national air traffic across 40 high-volume markets—a move that could significantly impact Denver, one of the busiest airports in the country.

Airport CEO Phil Washington explained that the request aims to alleviate the undue pressure currently faced by essential personnel. “As the shutdown drags on, air traffic controllers are being subjected to unnecessary stress,” he stated. “We would love to offer more support to all federal workers at the airport, but due to their numbers, we can only assist the controllers at this time.”

A Landmark Gesture in Aviation

If the FAA approves the exemption, Denver would become the first airport in the nation to directly compensate federal controllers during a government shutdown. This initiative also includes a request for reimbursement from the federal government once the budget crisis concludes.

The goal, according to Washington, is to maintain the safety and stability of air operations amidst a context where control personnel are working extended hours without pay, leading to increased absenteeism and mounting delays.

The airport administration has also implemented a food and essentials pantry for affected federal workers. Donations—including non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and supplies for babies and pets—are being accepted at the Final Approach Cell Phone Lot or the information point at the Great Hall, Level 5, situated within the heart of the facilities.

Inevitable Delays and Warnings for Passengers

While the FAA has yet to publish the official list of airports subject to air traffic reductions, experts anticipate that Denver will be among the affected airports. Aviation analyst Steve Cowell cautioned travelers to prepare for delays and to arrive at the airport earlier than usual this weekend.

“Denver will almost certainly be affected,” Cowell remarked. “A nationwide 10% reduction in air traffic will have ripple effects across all major markets. While Denver’s initiative to support federal workers is commendable, they will still need to adhere to the operational limits imposed by the FAA,” he added.

This measure aims to mitigate the risk of operational chaos at airports, particularly those managing high volumes of air traffic. However, alongside budget cuts, the fatigue among staff could lead to prolonged delays and cancellations, as noted by the FAA itself.

The Prolonged Government Shutdown Tensions the Aviation Sector

Since October 1, thousands of federal employees—including air traffic controllers—have been working without pay. The situation has become unsustainable for many, significantly increasing absenteeism, particularly in regional control towers and air command centers coordinating multiple airports.

Denver’s announcement coincides with warnings from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who stated that if the shutdown persists to the point where controllers miss a second paycheck, it could result in widespread “chaos in the skies.”

The U.S. Travel Association has also alerted about damaging public trust and the tourism economy, labeling the shutdown as “unnecessary pressure that forces difficult decisions and disrupts travel.”

Solidarity and Concern at Denver International Airport

As controllers await a solution, personnel at Denver International are working to alleviate the impact of the crisis. The pantry set up by the airport has received support from local organizations and citizens, expressing solidarity with the affected workers.

Denver’s effort marks a historic precedent in airport management in response to a federal crisis. “We want to care for our essential personnel because they are the ones keeping our skies safe,” reiterated Washington.

Nevertheless, uncertainty looms. If the government shutdown continues, neither local funds nor gestures of support will be sufficient to prevent ongoing delays and cancellations from accumulating, impacting thousands of travelers nationwide.