Denver International Airport offers to pay air traffic controllers during government shutdown

This government shutdown is really starting to mess with the airline industry, as TSA workers and air traffic controllers are now going weeks without pay. But, our very own Denver International Airport has a pretty commonsense way to alleviate some of the stress on the industry…

DIA is offering to pay air traffic controllers. DIA wants to reduce the stress caused by the ongoing government shutdown by using its own money to pay the workers.

Airport officials asked the FAA for a waiver to make those payments on Wednesday. The airport would ask for reimbursement of those payments after the shutdown is resolved.

DIA Chief Executive Officer Phil Washington said the airport is in a critical time ahead of the holiday travel season, and that paying the controllers could lower their stress while also reducing staffing issues.