Travelers flying out of Denver starting Friday may experience disruptions due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The shutdown, now in its 37th day, has caused staffing shortages at airports across the country, leading to a reduction in air traffic at 40 “high-volume” U. S. airports. These airports, including Denver International Airport (DIA), have been ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce air traffic by 10%.
Major airlines such as United, Southwest, Delta, and Frontier have all released statements assuring customers that they will do their best to minimize any disruptions and keep flights running smoothly. United, which has a hub at DIA, plans to keep all flights between hubs intact. Southwest has stated that the “vast majority” of its customers will not be impacted but will proactively notify travelers of any changes. Delta expects to operate the majority of its scheduled flights, including all long-haul international service. Frontier has also assured customers that it will do its best to maintain its flight schedule, but some changes may be necessary.
The 40 affected airports, which include Anchorage International in Alaska, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International in Georgia, and Chicago O’Hare International in Illinois, have been ordered to reduce air traffic due to staffing shortages caused by the shutdown. Air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since October 1st, have been under increased stress and pressure, leading to concerns about flight safety.
As of Thursday morning, DIA officials are still trying to determine the local impact of the reduced air traffic. The airport, which was the third busiest in the U. S. and sixth busiest in the world last year, generates significant revenue for the state and relies on car rentals, hotels, and restaurants for non-airline revenue. In an effort to support the affected air traffic controllers, DIA has requested permission from the FAA to use airport revenues. However, there has been no update on this request as of yet.
United CEO Scott Kirby has provided further details in a staff memo, including the fact that international flights and hub-to-hub travel will not be affected. Additionally, the airline is allowing customers to cancel flights and receive refunds, even if their flight is not impacted. This includes non-refundable and basic economy tickets. Kirby also noted that since it is currently a less busy travel season, there should be more seats available on flights, making it easier to rebook customers in case of cancellations.
Officials at Colorado Springs Airport are also working to understand the local impact for travelers. The shutdown’s effects on air travel extend beyond just flight disruptions, as airports also contribute significantly to the economy of their respective states. DIA, for example, has an estimated economic impact of $47. 2 billion per year for the state of Colorado.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Travelers flying out of Denver are advised to check their email, airline app, or website for updates on their flights.