A city in Colorado is proposing to fund air traffic controllers directly to keep the country’s third-busiest airport operational amidst an unprecedented government shutdown. This initiative, which still needs approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), aims to prevent a significant 10% cut in flights at Denver International Airport, as explained by Mayor Mike Johnston.
Johnston emphasized that the airport is a crucial economic asset for the Rocky Mountain West, underscoring its importance for both living standards and economic stability.
The city formally requested an exemption from the FAA on Wednesday regarding airport worker payments, but, as of Thursday, there hadn’t been a response.
Meanwhile, the FAA did not immediately reply to inquiries for comments.
Johnston criticized the “presidential shutdown,” arguing it poses a threat to the city’s economic wellbeing.
Starting Friday, a 10% reduction in flights is expected to impact 40 major U.S. cities due to the ongoing shutdown, which has already reached a historic duration.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that these cuts could lead to “major chaos,” potentially grounding around 4,000 flights nationally.
This situation arises as many air traffic controllers have gone unpaid since the shutdown began on October 1, leading some to report feeling unwell.
In 2024, Denver International Airport accommodated over 80 million passengers, according to Airports Council International. The tourism industry is also essential for the city, providing employment for approximately 190,000 residents.
Although Denver’s proposal includes a stipulation for refunds after the shutdown, the federal government has historically been slow to reimburse cities or states, as evidenced by past issues during the 2013 closure when entities in Colorado and New York didn’t receive reimbursements.
There’s also a possibility the FAA might allow airports to compensate their staff while still enforcing mandatory flight reductions.
“We recognize there’s some risk,” Johnston noted, adding, “However, the larger risk lies in halting the economy due to restricted air travel, which is vital for us.”
