One week into the government shutdown, travelers at Denver International Airport are bracing for potential flight disruptions as air traffic controller sick calls climb nationwide.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports an increasing number of air traffic controllers are calling out sick, though more than 13,000 controllers will continue working without pay during the shutdown, according to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) shutdown plan.
“If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate that’s safe for the American people,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers and are exempt from being furloughed during a government shutdown. They are not paid during the shutdown, but will receive back pay once the government reopens.
On Monday, Denver International Airport was among three airports nationwide experiencing delays related to staffing shortages. Hollywood Burbank Airport saw the biggest impact, shutting down entirely due to the shortage.
Traveler Denise Ramsden told Denver7 Tuesday she’s monitoring her departure time at DIA closely.
