Denver Air Traffic Controllers Use Backup Frequencies During 90-Second Outage Amid System Concerns

Air traffic controllers at Denver International Airport experienced a communications outage lasting approximately 90 seconds, during which both primary and backup radio frequencies failed, forcing controllers to switch to an emergency frequency to maintain contact with pilots. Despite the failure, aircraft were safely separated and operations were unaffected, according to the FAA. This incident is part of a series of recent disruptions, including similar radar and communications outages at the Newark, New Jersey, airport, highlighting longstanding equipment and staffing issues in the nation's aging air traffic control system. Lawmakers expressed concern about the increasing frequency of these failures and called for immediate solutions. The Trump administration recently announced a multibillion-dollar plan to modernize the outdated air traffic control infrastructure. The FAA is currently investigating the Denver outage amid growing scrutiny of aviation safety.