Denver air traffic controller's virus causes flight delays

Flights to and from Denver were briefly halted n delayed for several hours on Tuesday after an air traffic controller tested positive for COVID-19. About 250 flights in and out of Denver International Airport were delayed and more than 40 canceled on Tuesday, according to FlightAware.com, although it was t clear how many were due to air traffic control issues.

Federal Aviation ministration said flight-control work slowed down at airport after workers were moved to a training room. That led FAA to hold up flights in and out of region for nearly an hour Tuesday afteron. After flights resumed, delays continued and affected Denver-bound flights at airports throughout country, FAA said.

An airport spokeswoman said operations were expected to return to rmal by early evening. facility was cleaned later Tuesday, according to FAA. FAA did t identify controller or provide information about ir condition. It was fourth time that someone tested positive at same facility, which handles planes approaching or leaving nearby airports or flying through area.

A similar facility nearby in Longmont, Coloro, has h employees test positive for COVID-19 nine times. Nearly 250 FAA facilities including air traffic control towers have h workers test positive during pandemic. In some cases, remaining controllers are shifted to a backup facility, and at or times entire facilities have closed. Most of those closures have been brief, according to information on ncy’s website.