Denver Proposes Plan to Keep Critical Airport Running During Government Shutdown

A proposal has been made by the city of Denver, Colorado to ensure that the nation’s third-busiest airport, Denver International Airport, remains fully operational during the ongoing government shutdown. According to a report from Politico, Mayor Mike Johnston has put forth a plan to pay air traffic controllers out of the city’s own budget to prevent a 10% cut in flights, which is being implemented across major US airports by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Importance of Denver International Airport

Mayor Johnston emphasized the significance of the airport to not just the city’s economy but also the entire Rocky Mountain West region. He stated that it is a major economic driver and critical to the overall quality of life in the area. The airport, which is managed by the city, has officially requested a waiver from the FAA to allow them to pay airport staff, but as of Thursday, they have not received a response from the agency.

FAA’s Response and Potential Risks

The FAA has not yet commented on Denver’s proposal. However, the agency announced on Wednesday that flights will be cut by 10% in 40 major cities across the US, citing the ongoing government shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential “mass chaos” when the cut goes into effect and estimated that it could result in grounding up to 4,000 flights nationwide. This decision comes as many air traffic controllers have called out sick while not receiving pay during the shutdown.

Denver’s Economy and Potential Reimbursement

The proposed plan includes a provision for the city to request reimbursement once the government shutdown ends. However, it is important to note that in past shutdowns, the federal government has not provided reimbursement to cities and states for their expenses. In 2013, states like Utah, Colorado, and New York were not reimbursed for funding park operations during the shutdown. There is also a possibility that the FAA could approve the city’s request to pay airport staff but still enforce the flight cut mandate.

Mayor Johnston acknowledged the potential risks involved in the city’s proposal but stated that the greatest risk is shutting down the economy by halting air travel, which is a significant economic driver for Denver. The airport plays a crucial role in the city’s tourism industry, which employs approximately 190,000 people. Denver International Airport saw over 80 million passengers in 2024, according to Airports Council International.

Conclusion

Denver’s proposal to pay air traffic controllers out of its own budget in order to keep the airport fully operational during the government shutdown highlights the impact of the ongoing political stalemate on the economy at both a local and national level. The city’s plan aims to mitigate the potential negative effects of the flight cuts and ensure that the airport continues to serve as a major economic driver for the region.