DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver International Airport has asked the Federal Aviation Administration for a waiver that would allow the airport to use its funds to pay air traffic controllers during the federal government shutdown.

The airport announced the request hours after the FAA announced Wednesday that the agency would reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 "high-volume" markets starting Friday to maintain safety during the shutdown. DIA's announcement did not directly mention the FAA's plan.

The FAA said it would release a list on Thursday with the markets that would see the reduction.

Air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1. There have been staffing shortages across the country, including in Denver.

With the waiver, DIA said it

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