DIA delays come as air traffic staffing dips nationwide

The big picture: Air traffic controllers across the country have called in sick at slightly higher rates since the shutdown began, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told reporters Monday.

• He said some facilities have seen staffing drop by as much as 50% at times, but he didn't specify where.
• Duffy stressed that the absences remain isolated and that the agency is ready to slow traffic if needed.

Zoom in: At DIA, arriving flights were delayed an average of 39 minutes Monday due to staffing issues, according to air traffic controller alerts. The maximum delay was 95 minutes.

• Airport security wait times, however, were not affected, according to DIA's online dashboard.
• DIA officials wouldn't say how severe the staffing issues are and directed Axios Denver's inquiries to Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration officials, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Context: Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are "essential" employees — meaning they must keep working without pay until the government reopens. They're guaranteed back pay later.

What they're saying: Despite staffing issues, Duffy said airspace safety isn't at risk.

• "Do I think they're more stressed right now in our towers? Yes," he said. "Is our airspace unsafe? No. If we think there's issues in the airspace, we will shut it down, we will close it down, we will delay."

What we're watching: So far, air travel disruptions have been limited. But if the shutdown continues, the TSA warns delays could worsen as fatigue and financial strain mount.