A controversial plan to change flight paths in and out of Denver International Airport — prompting howls of protest from communities throughout the metro area — has received final approval from federal aviation regulators, it was announced Friday.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a finding of no significant impact in its record of decision for the Denver Metroplex Project. It plans to put the plan into effect on March 26.
“The decision enables the agency to move forward with the project, which will use cutting-edge satellite navigation to move air traffic more safely and efficiently through the area,” the FAA said in a news release Friday. “Satellite-based routes will allow for more direct and efficient routing of aircraft into and out of Denver and surrounding airports, enhancing aviation safety and efficiency, and potentially reducing flight delays.”
Those new proposed flight paths have been under attack for months by various communities around Denver, who fear it will funnel more air traffic over their homes.
Residents of Gilpin County have protested that a planned shift of westbound air traffic to the south — away from Boulder and toward Gilpin County — will disturb their quiet and threaten historic sites in the small, mountainous county.