Overview
- Denver International Airport requested permission to use airport revenue to cover air traffic controller wages during the shutdown and will seek federal reimbursement afterward.
- CEO Phil Washington said the airport can only extend wage support to controllers given the number of unpaid federal employees at DEN.
- The FAA announced a 10% reduction in air traffic across 40 high‑volume markets starting Friday to preserve safety during staffing shortfalls.
- DIA opened a donation-supported pantry for TSA, FAA, CBP and other unpaid federal workers, with drop-off sites at the Final Approach lot and the terminal information booth.
- Air traffic controllers have worked without pay since Oct. 1, and staffing shortages, including in Denver, have contributed to delays and operational limits.