Denver Mayor Proposes Pay for Air Traffic Controllers Amid Shutdown
On Thursday, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston (D) suggested that the city should compensate air traffic controllers who are currently working without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown.
This proposal needs the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The city has yet to hear back about its request to waive pay for controllers at Denver International Airport, according to reports.
The Hill has reached out for comments to both Mayor Johnston’s office and the FAA, but an automatic response from the FAA mentioned Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who hasn’t been available for media inquiries.
An automated message from the FAA stated, “As Director Duffy said, there is a severe staffing shortage across the system. When that happens, the FAA will slow traffic to some airports to ensure safe operations.”
FAA Administrator Brian Bedford revealed on Wednesday that Denver is one of 40 airports nationwide facing a 10% reduction in capacity starting Friday.
Mayor Johnston shared with Politico that the airport has the potential to be “the biggest economic driver in the Rocky Mountain West.” Tourism significantly boosts Colorado’s economy, supporting around 190,000 jobs and contributing $28.5 billion in 2024, according to the state’s Department of Economic Development and International Trade.
“It’s vital not just for our quality of life but also for our economic health,” he added.
In the request to the FAA, the city mentioned that refunds for controllers would be processed once the shutdown comes to an end. Johnston acknowledged to Politico that there is a risk involved; even if the city’s request is approved, the FAA might still impose reduced operations at the airport.
“We understand there is some risk,” he said. “The biggest risk is probably that our economy will be severely impacted if air travel is suspended, as it’s a key economic driver.”
In a statement to The Hill, Johnston criticized former President Trump for the government shutdown, claiming it has “forced federal workers to work without pay and left 100,000 Denver residents without access to food.”
“His dysfunction is causing flight cancellations for millions and threatening the core of our state’s economy,” Johnston remarked.
He urged the Trump administration to “stop playing politics, lift these restrictions, and allow flights to continue smoothly and safely at full capacity.”
During a press conference on Wednesday, Bedford stated that the FAA’s actions to cut flight capacity are “necessary to help alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers.”
“The data indicates we need to do more, and we will,” Bedford noted, assuring American travelers that it is “absolutely safe to fly in American skies.”
Duffy, who was present at the same press conference, warned that if the funding gap persists, the Department of Transportation might have to restrict parts of the nation’s airspace.
Updated at 7:25 p.m.
