Denver air traffic controllers had 2-minute communications outage, FAA official says

npr.orgPublished: 5/15/2025

Summary

Pilots flying into Denver International Airport faced a nearly two-minute communication blackout with air traffic controllers due to radio transmitter failures, according to an FAA official. Controllers switched to a backup frequency to maintain safety, avoiding any impact on operations. This incident follows other disruptions at nearby airports and highlights ongoing challenges in the U.S. aviation system, including staffing shortages and technical issues, as the FAA seeks permanent leadership amid expanding scrutiny.