Denver International Airport#Terminal

Denver has traditionally been home to one of the busier airports in the United States because its midcontinent location was ideal for an airline hub. Several airlines, notably United Airlines and Continental Airlines, had hubs at the former Stapleton International Airport, helping make it the sixth-busiest airport in the country by the 1960s. However, Stapleton had little room to add more flights and its runways were too close together, which led to long delays and nationwide travel disruptions in bad weather.{{cite news|last=Rubino|first=Joe|date=March 1, 2020|title=Denver International Airport at 25: From boondoggle to boon|newspaper=The Denver Post|location=Denver|publisher=Digital First Media|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2020/03/01/denver-airport-25-years-boondoggle-anniversary/|access-date=October 12, 2021}}

From 1980 to 1983, the Denver Regional Council of Governments investigated areas for a new area airport north and east of Denver. Meanwhile, in 1983, Federico Peña was elected mayor of Denver, campaigning on a plan to expand Stapleton onto Rocky Mountain Arsenal lands. The plan had broad support, but leaders in nearby Adams County threatened to sue over noise concerns.

Eventually Peña struck a deal: Adams County leaders would rally citizens to back a plan for Denver to annex {{Convert|54|sqmi}} of the county to build an airport away from established neighborhoods. In 1988, Adams County voters approved the annexation. The proposal was met with some skepticism because of its location: {{Convert|24|mi}} from the heart of the city. But seeing the importance of a Denver air hub to the national transportation system, the federal government put $500 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|US-GDP|.5|1989|r=1|fmt=c}} billion {{As of|{{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}|lc=y}}) toward the new airport. The rest of the cost would be financed by bonds, to be repaid with fees on airlines. Ground was broken in September 1989.

Two years later, Mayor Wellington Webb inherited the megaproject, which at that time was scheduled to open on October 29, 1993.{{cite book|title=Metro Airport Study: Final Report|publisher=Denver Regional Council of Governments; Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co|year=1983}} At the time United was refusing to move to the new airport over the high proposed fees. The airline finally relented under the condition that the airport include an automated baggage system.

Construction delays pushed opening day back, first to December 1993, then to March 1994. By September 1993, delays due to a millwright strike and other events meant opening day was pushed back again to May 1994.{{Cite web |last=reduper |date=2022-09-13 |title=Denver International Airport |url=https://www.reduper.com/industry/traffic/airport/denver-international-airport/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=Super Engineering Website |language=en-US}}

In April 1994, the city invited reporters to observe the first test of the new automated baggage system. Reporters were treated to scenes of clothing and other personal effects scattered beneath the system's tracks and carts that would often toss the luggage right off the system. After the embarrassing preview, the mayor cancelled the planned May opening. The baggage system continued to be a maintenance hassle and was finally terminated in September 2005, with traditional baggage handlers manually handling cargo and passenger luggage.{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Kirk|date=August 27, 2005|title=Denver Airport Saw the Future. It Didn't Work.|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/27/us/denver-airport-saw-the-future-it-didnt-work.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529193239/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/27/us/denver-airport-saw-the-future-it-didnt-work.html|archive-date=May 29, 2015}}

DEN finally replaced Stapleton on February 28, 1995, 16 months behind schedule and at a cost of $4.8 billion (equivalent to ${{inflation|US-GDP|4.8|1995|r=1|fmt=c}} billion {{As of|{{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}|lc=y}}),{{cite web|title=Denver International Airport Construction and Operating Costs|url=http://www.colorado.edu/libraries/govpubs/dia.htm|publisher=University of Colorado at Boulder Government Publications Library|date=July 5, 1997|access-date=February 1, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208150555/http://www.colorado.edu/libraries/govpubs/dia.htm|archive-date=February 8, 2008}} nearly $2 billion over budget (${{inflation|US-GDP|2|1995|r=1|fmt=c}} billion {{As of|{{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}|lc=y}}).{{cite news|last=Eddy|first=Mark|date=February 28, 1995|title=Denver International Airport officially opens for business|work=The Denver Post|url=https://www.denverpost.com/1995/02/28/denver-international-airport-officially-opens/|access-date=October 12, 2021}} The construction employed 11,000 workers.{{cite speech|title=Rocky Mountain Health & Safety Conference|last=Dear|first=Joseph A., Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health|date=April 11, 1995|location=John Q. Hammons Trade Center, Denver, Colorado|url=https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=SPEECHES&p_id=194|access-date=January 27, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813011621/http://osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=SPEECHES&p_id=194|archive-date=August 13, 2007}} United Airlines Flight 1062 to Kansas City International Airport was the first to depart DEN and United Flight 1474 from Colorado Springs Airport was the first to arrive at the new airport.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/01/us/finally-16-months-late-denver-has-a-new-airport.html|title=Finally, 16 Months Late, Denver Has a New Airport|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 1, 1995|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526141251/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/01/us/finally-16-months-late-denver-has-a-new-airport.html|archive-date=May 26, 2015|url-status=unfit}}

[[File:Denver airport USGA 2002 mod.jpg|thumb|In 2002 when 16R/34L was under construction

{{See also|List of longest runways}}

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In September 2003, runway 16R/34L was added, the airport's sixth and at {{Convert|16000|ft|mi km|abbr=on}}, it is {{Convert|4000|ft|mi km|abbr=on}} longer than the other runways. Its length, exceeded by only six other runways in the world, allows fully laden Airbus A380s and Boeing 747-8s to take off in the hot and high conditions at the airport, which is roughly {{Convert|1|mi||abbr=on}} above sea level.{{cite news|title=Denver International Airport, Colorado|url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/denver/|access-date=2023-06-14|website=Airport Technology|language=en-US}}{{cite web|title=How To Adjust to Denver's High Altitude{{!}} VISIT DENVER|url=https://www.denver.org/about-denver/resources/high-altitude-tips/|access-date=2023-06-14|website=www.denver.org|language=en-us}}

During a blizzard on March 17–19, 2003, the weight of heavy snow tore a hole in the terminal's white fabric roof, and over {{Convert|2|ft}} of snow on paved areas closed the airport and its main access road (Peña Boulevard) for almost two days, stranding several thousand people.{{cite news|title=This week in Denver weather history: March 11 to March 17|first=Tony|last=Hake|work=Examiner|publisher=AXS Digital Group|quote=Denver International Airport was closed...stranding about 4000 travelers. The weight of the heavy snow caused a 40-foot gash in a portion of the tent roof...forcing the evacuation of that section of the main terminal building.}}{{cite news|title=DEN Evacuates Main Terminal For Fear Of Roof Collapse|work=KMGH-TV|location=Denver, Colorado|date=March 19, 2003|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifestyle/travel/dia-evacuates-main-terminal-for-fear-of-roof-collapse|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817205204/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifestyle/travel/dia-evacuates-main-terminal-for-fear-of-roof-collapse|archive-date=August 17, 2015|url-status=dead}} Another blizzard on December 20–21, 2006, dumped over {{convert|20|in|cm}} of snow in about 24 hours. The airport was closed for more than 45 hours, stranding thousands.{{cite news|first=Mindy|last=Sink|title=Thousands Stranded in Denver Airport and Environs After Blizzard|newspaper=The New York Times|location=Denver|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/22/us/22storm.html|date=December 22, 2006|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017192323/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/22/us/22storm.html|archive-date=October 17, 2015|url-status=live}} Following this, the airport invested heavily in new snow-removal equipment that has led to a dramatic reduction in runway occupancy times to clear snow, down from an average of 45 minutes in 2006 to just 15 minutes. In 2020, the airport was awarded the Balchen/Post award, which is presented by the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) for the outstanding snow and ice removal operation during difficult winter conditions.{{cite web|title=Denver International Airport's award-winning winter operations|url=https://www.internationalairportreview.com/article/146092/denver-airport-winter-operations/|access-date=2023-06-14|website=International Airport Review|language=en}}

After shunning DEN for over a decade for its high fees, Southwest Airlines entered the airport in January 2006 with 13 daily flights.{{cite press release|title=Southwest Airlines Begins Service in Denver, Announces Additional Flights and Destinations|url=http://investors.southwest.com/news-and-events/news-releases/2006/03-01-2006|location=Dallas|publisher=Southwest Airlines|access-date=25 February 2021}} Southwest has since rapidly expanded and is now the airport's second-largest carrier after United.{{cite news|title=Southwest aims to add 16 gates and a host of new flights at Denver International Airport|url=https://denverite.com/2020/02/26/southwest-aims-to-add-16-gates-and-a-host-of-new-flights-at-denver-international-airport/|last=Sachs|first=David|work=Denverite|location=Denver|publisher=Colorado Public Radio|access-date=25 February 2021}}

On November 19, 2015, a Westin hotel was added to the airport and on April 22, 2016, DEN received commuter rail service to Denver Union Station with the opening of RTD's A Line.{{Cite web|last=Baskas|first=Harriet|title=Denver's airport finally getting a rail link to the city |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2016/04/20/denver-airport-train-rail-line/83271302/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Baskas|first=Harriet|title=Denver airport announces opening day for new hotel |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2015/06/03/denver-airport-westin-hotel/28401045/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}

On September 9, 2015, a political campaign was launched by Mayor Michael Hancock to radically expand commercial development at DEN, previously prohibited by intergovernmental agreement between Denver and Adams County.{{cite news|author=|title=Yes on 1A for DEN – Not so fast|date=September 9, 2015|work=North Denver News|url=http://northdenvernews.com/yes-on-1a-for-dia-not-so-fast/|access-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910003211/http://northdenvernews.com/yes-on-1a-for-dia-not-so-fast/|archive-date=September 10, 2015|url-status=live}} The changes to the agreement were approved by both Denver and Adams County voters in November 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/996312-denver-voters-ok-national-western-dia-ballot-measures|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203055508/http://www.coloradostatesman.com/content/996312-denver-voters-ok-national-western-dia-ballot-measures|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2015|title=Denver Voters OK National Western DEN Ballot Measures|website=Colorado Statesman|access-date=January 12, 2016}}

In 2018, work began on a major interior renovation and reconfiguration to the entire Jeppesen Terminal including the beginning phases of construction to relocate two out of the three TSA security checkpoints from the Great Hall on Level 5 to Level 6 (East & West) while simultaneously updating and consolidating airline ticket counters/check-in for all airlines. Eventually, both pre- and post-security gathering and leisure areas will be incorporated into the spaces where both expansive TSA security areas on Level 5 are currently located. The third TSA security checkpoint currently accessible via the Concourse A bridge is expected to be removed once the new Level 6 security areas are completed. The renovation and reconfiguration will bring back the original intent and use of the Great Hall as a large commons area for airport patrons and visitors to enjoy. In early February 2024, the first of two new security screening areas (West Security on Level 6) opened to the public. The new East Security, directly across the Great Hall from West, is expected to open in mid to late 2025. At that time both Level 5 North & South Security areas (which have been in operation for over 20 years) are planned to be closed and removed in addition to the A-Bridge Security. {{asof|2017}}, the phased terminal project was expected to be completed by 2028,{{cite news|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/11/13/denver-budget-dia-gate-expansion-approved/|last=Murray|first=Jon|newspaper=The Denver Post|location=Denver|publisher=Digital First Media|title=Denver council gives blessing to $2 billion city budget and $1.5 billion gate expansion at DIA|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114202216/http://www.denverpost.com/2017/11/13/denver-budget-dia-gate-expansion-approved/|archive-date=November 14, 2017|url-status=live}} however a 2025 press release shared that the project has been moving ahead of schedule and is now projected to be complete in 2027.{{Cite web |last=Producer |first=Austen Erblat Digital |last2=producer |first2=CBS Colorado Austen Erblat is a digital |last3=Colorado |first3=assignment editor at CBS News |last4=Florida |first4=is Covering Colorado First Originally from South |last5=Erblat |first5=he's been working as a journalist in Denver since 2022 Read Full Bio Austen |date=2025-02-18 |title=Denver International Airport unveils final phase of Great Hall renovation, lays out future projects - CBS Colorado |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-international-airport-final-phase-great-hall-renovation-future-projects/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

Additionally in 2018, work commenced on a major gate expansion to all three concourses with 12 new gates being added to A (including several single and double-jetway gates with direct access to U.S. Customs and Border Protection), 11 to B, and 16 to C, for a total of 39 new gates.{{cite news|last1=Riley|first1=Cindy|title=$1.5B Gate Expansion at Denver Intl. Under Way|url=https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/15b-gate-expansion-at-denver-intl-under-way/43151|magazine=Construction Equipment|location=Fort Washington|access-date=January 30, 2020}} Following the completion of the project in 2020, United Airlines made plans to lease 24 additional gates on both A and B (which would bring its total gate count at DEN to around 90), as well as build a new United Club in Concourse A and expand their existing clubs in B.{{cite news|title=United Airlines gets approval for 24 new gates, upgraded clubs at DIA|date=January 22, 2020|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2020/01/22/united-airlines-gates-clubs-approval.html|last=Vendituoli|first=Monica|newspaper=Denver Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|url-access=subscription|location=Denver|access-date=January 30, 2020}}{{update after|2021}} Southwest Airlines leased 16 of the new gates in C bringing its total gate count at DEN to 40, which is SWA's largest gate count at any single airport.{{cite web|title=Southwest Airlines Set to Expand Denver Operations|url=https://aeronauticsonline.com/southwest-airlines-set-to-expand-denver-operations/|access-date=27 May 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703221311/http://aeronauticsonline.com/southwest-airlines-set-to-expand-denver-operations/|url-status=usurped}} By November 2022, all new gates in A-West, B-West, B-East and C-East were in use. New retail and restaurant tenants continued to open through 2024, as well as new art that will be commissioned and installed through 2025. Additionally, all existing way-finding signs, flight information display systems and gate signs were replaced after 2017 matching what is found at the new gates and within the renovated portions of the terminal. When both the ongoing terminal and concourse projects are completed, the airport will be able to handle upwards of 100 million passengers per year.{{cite news|last=Murray|first=Jon|date=August 1, 2017|title=DIA prepares for 26-gate expansion blitz by hiring project manager.|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/01/denver-international-airport-expansion-manager-contract-45-million/|newspaper=The Denver Post|location=Denver|publisher=Digital First Media|access-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014701/http://www.denverpost.com/2017/08/01/denver-international-airport-expansion-manager-contract-45-million/|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}}

On August 20, 2021, the airport experienced a mechanical failure of its train system that caused significant delays.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-10 |title=Denver airport train breakdown causes some travelers to miss flights |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2021/08/20/denver-international-airports-train-breaks-down-delays-missed-flights/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410023354/https://www.denverpost.com/2021/08/20/denver-international-airports-train-breaks-down-delays-missed-flights/ |archive-date=April 10, 2023 }} In response, a request for information from the private sector was issued to analyze options to possibly supplement the train system in the future.{{Cite press release| url=https://www.flydenver.com/sites/default/files/downloads/21-80%20-%20Train%20RFI.pdf |title=Denver International Airport Seeking Ideas for Alternative Methods for Passenger Flow to and from the Terminal and Concourses}} By 2023, several companies proposed their ideas to transport passengers.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-01 |title=Could soaring bridges, gondolas, futuristic pods — or even just a walking tunnel — soon connect DIA's concourses? |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2023/01/01/denver-airport-train-solutions-bridges-tunnel-walkway/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}

In 2022, a committee was formed to support efforts to establish flights between Denver and Africa.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.flydenver.com/sites/default/files/downloads/22-21%20Africa%20Air%20Service%20Committee.pdf |title=Denver International Airport Announces Formation of Africa Air Service Committee|date=2022-04-05}}

In August 2022, DEN broke ground on an additional gate expansion project that would bring a total of 14 ground-loaded/tarmac gates to the east end of Concourse A to be used solely for Frontier Airlines operations. Originally constructed in 2018 as temporary regional gates for United Airlines, this A-East wing was vacated by United earlier in 2022, making way for the renovation and expansion of the Frontier gates. It is intended to be removed once a more permanent A-East expansion (similar to what recently opened in A-West) occurs at an unknown future date. The renovated and expanded Concourse A-East wing officially opened summer 2024 and resulted in a gain of four gates for Frontier Airlines.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/frontier-new-gates-denver-international-airport-breaks-ground/|title=Frontier breaks ground on new gates at Denver International Airport|website=CBS News|date=August 8, 2022}}

In December 2023 DEN started construction on a new 'Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation' which will help under-served communities and prepare current and future employees for a career in aviation. The CEEA will be located directly below the Westin Hotel and DEN Plaza and is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flydenver.com/ceea|title=Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) | Denver Airport}}

In late 2023, the airport laid out preliminary plans to add four new concourses with 100 more gates east and west of the terminal by 2045.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Imagine DIA in 2045: four new concourses, 100 more gates and way more passengers |url=https://denverite.com/2023/10/04/denver-international-airport-expansion-2045-passenger-traffic-concourses/ |access-date=2023-12-29 |website=Denverite |language=en-US}} The project is being referred to as 'Operation 2045' and will help support the airport's goal of serving over 125 million passengers annually by that time.

On April 30, 2025, DEN welcomed the Airbus A380 for the first time for regular commercial service operated by Lufthansa. The aircraft arrived from Munich International Airport (MUC) at 1:45 pm local time and departed back to Munich at 4:15 pm. Lufthansa will run daily A380 flights from DEN to Munich until September 30.{{cite web|url=https://flydenver.com/press-release/den-celebrates-inaugural-flight-of-the-airbus-a380-by-lufthansa-german-airlines|title=DEN Begins Daily Lufthansa A380 Flights to Munich Airport|website=flydenver.com|accessdate=May 1, 2025}}

File:DEN Air Traffic Control Tower.jpg and Concourse C at Denver International Airport with a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 taxiing below in March 2018]]

The airport is {{convert|23|mi|km}} from Downtown Denver, which is {{convert|15|mi|km}} farther away than Stapleton International Airport, the airport DEN replaced.

The {{convert|52.4|sqmi|km2 acre||}} of land occupied by DEN is the largest amount of commercial airport land area in North America, by a great extent. The land was transferred from Adams County to Denver after a 1989 vote,{{cite journal |last1=Goetz |first1=Andrew R. |last2=Szyliowicz |first2=Joseph S. |title=Revisiting Transportation Planning and Decision Making Theory: The Case of Denver International Airport |journal=Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice |year=1997 |volume=31 |issue=4 |page=270 |doi=10.1016/S0965-8564(96)00033-X |bibcode=1997TRPA...31..263G }} increasing the city's size by 50 percent and bifurcating the western portion of the neighboring county. All freeway traffic accessing the airport from central Denver leaves the city and passes through Aurora for nearly {{convert|2|mi|||spell=in}}, making the airport a practical exclave. Similarly, the A Line rail service connecting the airport with downtown Denver has two intervening stations in Aurora.

File:DenverAirport2023.jpg

DEN has one terminal, named the Jeppesen Terminal after aviation safety pioneer Elrey Borge Jeppesen, and three midfield concourses, spaced far apart. The three midfield concourses have a total of 169 gates in operation as of early 2025.{{Cite web |title=About DEN |url=https://www.flydenver.com/about-den/ |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Denver International Airport |language=en-US}} Concourse A is accessible via a pedestrian bridge directly from the terminal building, as well as via the underground train system that services all three concourses. For access to Concourses B and C, passengers must utilize the train. All international arrivals without border pre-clearance are processed in Concourse A; this concourse also has four 3-jetway international gates that can support ADG Group VI aircraft such as an Airbus A380 and a Boeing 747-8, the two largest commercial aircraft in the world.

• Concourse A is used by Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines (including all international arrivals), and all international carriers. It has 60 gates, including several ground-level boarding and double jetway gates.{{cite web |title=Denver Airport Terminal Map |url=https://maps.flydenver.com/?s=W3siaWQiOiJvbmxpbmUvaGVhZGVyT25saW5lIiwic2VhcmNoIjoiIiwiaXNTZWFyY2hDb25maXJtZWQiOmZhbHNlfSx7ImlkIjoib25saW5lL3BvaVZpZXcifSx7ImlkIjoib25saW5lL2dldERpcmVjdGlvbnNGcm9tVG8ifSx7ImlkIjoidmVudWVEYXRhTG9hZGVyIn0seyJpZCI6Im1hcFJlbmRlcmVyIiwidnAiOnsibGF0IjozOS44NTQ3OTI5OTk5OTk5NywibG5nIjotMTA0LjY3Mzc4MzAwMDAwMDAxLCJ6b29tIjoxMy44MjczODAxODMwNTEwODcsImJlYXJpbmciOjAsInBpdGNoIjowfSwib3JkIjo2fV0%3D |access-date=18 March 2021}}
• Concourse B is solely used for United Airlines flights. It has 72 gates, including four double jetways and several regional gates.
• Concourse C is primarily used for Southwest Airlines flights, as well as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and most regional airliner flights. It has 47 gates, including four ground-level boarding gates.

In 2023, the airport announced a plan to significantly increase its passenger capacity by expanding the Jeppesen Terminal by 2045 with additional check-in and TSA counters. The plan would also add new concourses with a further 100 gates.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Imagine DIA in 2045: four new concourses, 100 more gates and way more passengers |url=https://denverite.com/2023/10/04/denver-international-airport-expansion-2045-passenger-traffic-concourses/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Denverite |language=en-US}}

File:DIA.jpg.]]

The Jeppesen Terminal's internationally recognized peaked roof, designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects, resembles snow-capped mountains and evokes the early history of Colorado when Native American teepees were located across the Great Plains. The catenary steel cable system, similar to the Brooklyn Bridge design, supports the fabric roof.{{Cite web |title=Denver International Airport's peaked roof|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/2017885211/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}} DEN is also known for a pedestrian bridge connecting the terminal to Concourse A that allows travelers to walk from the main Terminal to Concourse A, while viewing planes taxiing beneath them. It offers views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the high plains to the east.{{Cite web |last= Rubino|first=Joe|date=2018-07-02 |title=Bridge to the plane: Celebrating Denver International Airport's walk-over bridge at age 25 |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/02/denver-international-airport-bridge-25th-anniversary/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}

Denver's public art program (which is financed by a mandatory 1% capital improvement budget) has resulted in a significant number of artworks being installed at the airport. The artwork includes sculptures, murals, photos, sound art and paintings.{{Cite web |title=Art {{!}} Denver International Airport |url=https://www.flydenver.com/art |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=www.flydenver.com}}{{Cite web |last=Donahue |first=Maggie |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Bored at DIA? Take a tour of the airport's public art. |url=https://denverite.com/2021/11/22/bored-at-dia-take-a-tour-of-the-airports-public-art/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122212348/https://denverite.com/2021/11/22/bored-at-dia-take-a-tour-of-the-airports-public-art/ |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=Denverite}}

The airport features a bronze statue of Denver native Jack Swigert by Loveland, Colorado artist George Lundeen in Concourse B. Swigert flew on Apollo 13 as Command Module Pilot, and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1982, but died of cancer before he was sworn in. The statue is dressed in an A7L pressure suit, and is posed holding a gold-plated helmet. It is a duplicate of a statue placed at the United States Capitol in 1997.{{Cite web |title=Jack Swigert Statue |url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jack-swigert-statue-denver-international-airport |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=Atlas Obscura |language=en}} George Lundeen is also the sculptor of "The Aviator", a monumental bronze sculpture of Elrey Borge Jeppesen, for whom the terminal is named.{{Cite web |title=Tribute to Elrey Jeppesen - Denver Public Art |url=https://denverpublicart.org/public-arts/elrey-b-jeppesen-tribute/ |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=denverpublicart.org}}{{Cite web |title=Tribute to Elrey Jeppesen {{!}} Denver International Airport |url=https://www.flydenver.com/about/art_culture/tribute_elrey_jeppesen |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=www.flydenver.com}}

Denver International Airport has four murals by the Chicano artist Leo Tanguma. "Children of the World Dream of Peace" is in two-parts. The first depicts the horrors of war, with a man in a gas-mask brandishing a saber. The second, larger part shows this man toppled, and smiling children from many nations making swords into plowshares; Tanguma explains this is a reference to the Book of Isaiah 2:4:{{Cite web |title=DIA- Children of the World |url=https://www.leotangumachicanomuralist.com/dia-children-of-the-world |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231065822/https://www.leotangumachicanomuralist.com/dia-children-of-the-world |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |access-date=2022-12-31 |website=leotanguma |language=en}}

...and they shall beat their swords into plowshares—nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

"Children of the World Dream of Peace" is a powerful mural expressing the artist's desire to abolish violence in society. One section of the piece speaks to the tragedy and devastation of war and its impact on humanity. The mural then moves on to images of smiling children, dressed in traditional folk costumes from around the world, celebrating peace prevailing over war.

The first half of the mural shows children displaying great sadness over the destruction and extinction of life, as the second half of the artwork depicts humanity coming together to rehabilitate and celebrate nature.

In March 2019, the airport unveiled an animated, talking gargoyle in the middle of one of the concourses. The gargoyle interacted with passengers and joked about the supposed conspiracies connected to the airport.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2019/03/01/talking-gargoyle-denver-international-airport/3032167002/|title=Talking gargoyle shocks travelers at Denver International Airport|last=Yasharoff|first=Hannah|date=March 1, 2019|newspaper=USA Today|location=Denver|publisher=Gannett|access-date=May 28, 2019}}

Blue Mustang, by El Paso-born artist Luis Jiménez, was one of the earliest public art commissions for Denver International Airport in 1993. The {{convert|32|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} sculpture is a bright blue cast-fiberglass sculpture of a horse with glowing red eyes located between the inbound and outbound lanes of Peña Boulevard.{{cite web |title=Mustang |url=http://www.flydenver.com/about/art_culture/mustang|publisher=City & County of Denver Department of Aviation |access-date=September 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906155702/http://www.flydenver.com/about/art_culture/mustang |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live }} Jiménez was killed in 2006 at age 65 while creating the sculpture when a part of it fell on him and severed an artery in his leg. At the time of his death, Jiménez had completed painting the head of the mustang. Blue Mustang was completed by others, and unveiled at the airport on February 11, 2008.{{cite web|title=Mustang/Mesteño by Luis Jiménez |url=http://www.denvergov.org/DenverOfficeofCulturalAffairs/PublicArt/RecentInstallations/LuisJimenezMustangMeste%C3%B1o/tabid/437085/Default.aspx |publisher=City of Denver |access-date=July 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731031431/http://www.denvergov.org/DenverOfficeofCulturalAffairs/PublicArt/RecentInstallations/LuisJimenezMustangMeste%C3%B1o/tabid/437085/Default.aspx |archive-date=July 31, 2012 }} The statue has been the subject of considerable controversy, and has acquired the nickname Blucifer for its demonic appearance.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/despite-criticism-denver-airports-devil-horse-sculpture-likely-stay-1C8543778|title=Despite criticism, airport's 'Devil Horse' sculpture likely to stay|date=March 4, 2013|author=A. Pawolski|work=NBC News|location=Denver|publisher=NBCUniversal News Group|access-date=August 6, 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.denverpost.com/2013/02/06/keep-remarkable-mustang-sculpture-at-dia/|title=Keep remarkable "Mustang" sculpture at DIA|date=February 6, 2013|newspaper=The Denver Post|location=Denver|publisher=Digital First Media|access-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819011226/http://www.denverpost.com/2013/02/06/keep-remarkable-mustang-sculpture-at-dia/|archive-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Denver Airport station}}

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates the A Line rail service between DEN and Denver Union Station in downtown Denver, making the 37 minute trip about every 15 minutes. RTD also operates an airport express bus service called skyRide between Arapahoe County or Boulder and DEN. There is also hourly service to Thornton on RTD route 104L, a limited stop bus. The airport is also served by two commuter routes with just a few runs per day: RTD route 145X to Brighton and 169L to Aurora.

Scheduled bus service is also available to points such as Fort Collins, and van services stretch into Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado summer and ski resort areas. Amtrak offers a Fly-Rail plan for ticketing with United Airlines for trips into scenic areas in the Western U.S. via a Denver stopover.

The airport is connected to I-70 and Denver via the Peña Boulevard freeway. A number of car rental companies are located at the airport, providing courtesy shuttle services from Jeppesen Terminal Level 5, Island 4, to their parking areas.{{cite web|url=https://www.flydenver.com/parking_transit/car-rentals|title=Ground Transportation and Car Rentals|location=Denver|publisher=City and County of Denver Department of Aviation|access-date=February 6, 2022}}

The airport claims that it is completely accessible to bicycling travelers.{{cite web|url=https://www.flydenver.com/traveler_services/bicycling_den|title=Bicycling at DEN|location=Denver|publisher=City and County of Denver Department of Aviation|access-date=September 22, 2023}} The city of Denver's designated bike route consists of the non-separated shoulders of the 65-mph Peña Boulevard freeway, a route which Denver's former bicycle planner James Mackay has called "a facade, an appearance, a deceit, a contrivance."{{cite web|url=https://www.cpr.org/2020/03/23/why-is-pena-boulevard-a-bike-route-and-does-anyone-actually-use-it/|title=Why Is Peña Boulevard A Bike Route? And Does Anyone Actually Use It?|last=Minor|first=Nathaniel|date=March 23, 2020|website=CRP News|publisher=Colorado Public Radio|access-date=September 22, 2023|quote=Mackay calls that shoulder route, "a facade, an appearance, a deceit, a contrivance,” and said it’s still “triggering” to see those bike route signs today. He said Roskowski and other bicycle advocates should have done a better job of holding the city to its initial commitment to build a separated path. Moreover, he said, it could still be built. "Blow the dust off the plans, freshen up the estimate based on current costs, and go build it,” he said.}} The airport suggests that cyclists who prefer a less-traveled route may use 56th Avenue to Valleyhead Road, a rural 55-mph highway with no shoulder.

==Conspiracy theories==

Conspiracies concerning the airport, inspired by the type of art, unusual architecture, and construction problems, started shortly after its completion. With the expansion of the internet, television shows such as Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura, and annual media reporting of these theories, they continued to grow.{{R|Denver}} Airport administration decided to embrace the conspiracy theories instead of trying to fight them.{{R|Denver}}{{R|NYT}} In 2016, a small "Conspiracy Theories Uncovered" exhibition was installed in the terminal, explaining some of the more popular theories.{{R|Denver}}{{cite web |title=Art at DEN: Conspiracy Theories Uncovered |url=https://www.flydenver.com/art-exhibits/conspiracy-theories-uncovered/ |publisher=Denver International Airport |access-date=7 May 2024}} In 2019, an animatronic gargoyle named Gregoriden, or Greg for short, that randomly makes statements such as "welcome to Illuminati headquarters"{{R|NYT}} was installed. Some took offense to the gargoyle, claiming it was satanic, so the gargoyle was removed and replaced with a more muted version. Other gargoyle statues, sitting on open suitcases, are in the baggage claim area. Some also view these statues as malevolent, despite their intended purpose as playful artistic creations that are claimed to safeguard luggage.{{R|NYT}}{{R|Insider}}{{R|Denver}}

In April 2019, the Roswell International Air Center and Denver International Airport became "supernatural sister airports."{{R|NYT}}{{R|Fly}} In the agreement, they would work together to enhance industry best practices that involve commerce, trade and tourism. It also includes a clause that they would share strategies for extraterrestrial combat.{{R|Fly}} For the airport's 20th birthday, plans to decorate the airport property with crop circles proved to be too expensive, so they were not implemented. In a marketing campaign that was tied to renovations started in 2018, posters were created with aliens joking that breeding grounds for gargoyles or meeting halls for Freemasons were being constructed. The campaign was successful, generating over $8 million in revenue.{{R|NYT}}

• Tunnels: The delay in opening the airport and the large budget overrun led to a variety of rumors about the tunnels that were built under the airport. The scope has been exaggerated, and there is lore that the tunnels lead to underground survival bunkers for the rich and elite, military bases, homes for aliens, homes for lizard people, or to the North American Aerospace Defense Command.{{R|NYT}}{{R|Insider}}{{R|Denver}} The actual use for the tunnels is to move luggage between check-in counters, airplanes and baggage claim areas. Employees have been known to prank the media by wearing lizard masks. Blurry videos of lizard people have appeared online and drawings of aliens have appeared on tunnel walls. However, other graffiti, besides alien drawings, exist along the tunnels.{{R|Denver}}
• New World Order and other secret societies: Because of the isolated location, there are rumors that the airport will be used by the New World Order as a prison or concentration camp.{{R|NYT}} The time capsule at the airport showcases an inscribed plaque that has the Freemason symbol and the words "New World Airport Commission," which is a group that has never existed, prompting the conspiracy theory that the airport is controlled by Freemasons and linked to the New World Order or other secret societies.{{R|Insider}}{{R|Denver}} A spokesperson for the Denver International Airport, Alex Renteria, has said that the Freemasons had created the cover, and thus had included their symbol, but there is no evidence that they have any influence in running the airport.{{R|Denver}}{{R|Insider}} The wording about the commission was used to represent that the new airport would permit access to the world and is a reference to Dvořák's New World Symphony.{{R|Insider}}{{R|Denver}}
• Nazism: Tanguma's murals have been purported to represent Nazism, death, or a prophecy of the end of the world, counter to the artist's meaning.{{R|NYT}}{{R|Insider}} The removal of the murals to keep them safe during construction prompted rumors that the project was an excuse to cover the truth.{{R|NYT}} In addition, there are conspiracy theories around Nazism based on the supposedly swastika-shaped runway arrangement, which aerial views refute.{{R|Denver}}{{R|NYT}}
• Alien languages: People have noted apparent markings that are supposed to represent alien or secret languages. The markings are actually Navajo language characters and identifiers for the airport artists.{{R|Denver}}
• Blue Mustang eyes: The red, glowing eyes have led some to call the horse statue demonic, thinking that the glowing eyes are referencing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The eyes are actually a tribute to the artist's father, who owned a neon light shop in Mexico.{{R|Denver}}{{R|Insider}}{{R|NYT}}
• Flat Earth: On TikTok in April 2023, a video went viral, claiming that an artistic 30-year-old world map art installation was new and confirmed flat earth theory.{{R|NYT}}

{{Airport destination list | 3rdcoltitle = Refs | 3rdcolunsortable=yes

| Aer Lingus | Seasonal: Dublin{{cite web|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2024/01/23/aer-lingus-denver-international-airport-dublin-ireland-nonstop/|title=From Denver to Dublin: Aer Lingus looks to tap into business ties, Irish heritage with nonstop flights|publisher=The Denver Post|date=January 23, 2024|accessdate=March 2, 2025}}| {{cite web |title=Timetables |website=Aer Lingus|publisher=International Airlines Group|location=Dublin|url=https://www.aerlingus.com/html/flights-time-table.html |access-date=September 2, 2020}}

| Aeroméxico | Mexico City
Seasonal: Guadalajara,{{cite web |title=Aeromexico Schedules Additional US Routes in NW24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240909-amnw24us |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=9 September 2024}} Monterrey{{cite web|url=https://aviacionline.com/2024/07/aeromexico-suma-dos-destinos-a-estados-unidos-desde-manzanillo-y-otro-desde-monterrey/|title=Aeromexico adds two destinations to the United States from Manzanillo and another from Monterrey|language=Spanish|website=Aviacionline|date=July 2024|accessdate=July 29, 2024}} | {{cite web|title=Flight Schedule|url=https://booking.aeromexico.com/SSW2010/D5DE/flightSchedulePage.html?_ga=1.18768702.686413547.1491325115|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406022455/https://booking.aeromexico.com/SSW2010/D5DE/flightSchedulePage.html?_ga=1.18768702.686413547.1491325115|archive-date=April 6, 2017|url-status=live}}

| Air Canada | Montréal–Trudeau, Toronto–Pearson, Vancouver | {{cite web|url=https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/flight-schedules.html|title=Flight Schedules|publisher=Air Canada|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323072516/https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/routes-and-partners/flight-schedules.html|archive-date=March 23, 2018|url-status=live}}

| Air Canada Express | Vancouver |

| Air France | Paris–Charles de Gaulle{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240411-afnw24den|title=Air France Extends Denver Service into NW24|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=April 11, 2024|accessdate=March 2, 2025}} | {{cite web |title=Air France Timetable |url=https://www.airfrance.com/CW/en/local/resainfovol/infovols/actualiteDesVols.do |publisher=Air France |access-date=15 April 2021}}

| Alaska Airlines | Portland (OR), San Diego (begins October 4, 2025),{{cite web |title=Alaska Airlines Fall 2025 Network Adjustments |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250422-asfall25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=22 April 2025}} Seattle/Tacoma
Seasonal: Anchorage{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite news|title=Flight Timetable|newspaper=Alaska Airlines|url=https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/timetables.aspx|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202123138/https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/timetables.aspx|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live|last1=Airlines|first1=Alaska}}

| Allegiant Air | Allentown,{{cite web|url=https://www.wfmz.com/news/new-old-route-coming-to-abe-airport/article_d96ce266-a877-11ef-a8b3-9f15e9e4c101.html|title=New (old) route coming to ABE airport|date = January 25, 2025}} Appleton, Asheville, Idaho Falls,{{Cite press release |title=Allegiant Ties Record for Largest Expansion in Company History with 44 New Nonstop Routes, plus 3 New Cities |date=November 19, 2024 |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allegiant-ties-record-for-largest-expansion-in-company-history-with-44-new-nonstop-routes-plus-3-new-cities-302309357.html |language=en |via=PR Newswire |access-date=November 19, 2024 |website=Allegiant Air}} Stockton
Seasonal: Cincinnati,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Knoxville,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Peoria{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} | {{cite web|title=Flight schedules and notifications|url=https://www.allegiantair.com|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224233038/http://www.allegiantair.com/|archive-date=February 24, 2011|url-status=live}}

| American Airlines | Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor | {{cite web|title=Flight schedules and notifications|url=https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/schedule|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010611/https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/schedule|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}

| American Eagle | Los Angeles, Phoenix–Sky Harbor
Seasonal: Dallas/Fort Worth{{cn|date=June 2025}} |

| Breeze Airways | Seasonal: Providence{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|url=https://www.flybreeze.com/shopping/en-us/|title=Explore Breeze Airways destinations|website=Breeze Airways|access-date=January 9, 2024}}

| British Airways | London–Heathrow | {{cite web|url=https://www.britishairways.com/travel/schedules/public/en_gb|title=Timetables|publisher=British Airways|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330083400/https://www.britishairways.com/travel/schedules/public/en_gb|archive-date=March 30, 2017|url-status=live}}

| Cayman Airways | Seasonal: Grand Cayman{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|title=Flight Schedule|url=https://www.caymanairways.com/DenverAnnouncement|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035558/https://www.caymanairways.com/DenverAnnouncement|archive-date=August 28, 2018|url-status=live}}

| Contour Airlines | Moab,{{Cite web |title= Denver International Airport Celebrates the Arrival of Contour Airlines, Connecting Travelers to Moab and Vernal with Convenient Nonstop Service: New Updates You Need To Know |date=January 17, 2025 |url= https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/denver-international-airport-celebrates-the-arrival-of-contour-airlines-connecting-travelers-to-moab-and-vernal-with-convenient-nonstop-service-new-updates-you-need-to-know/|access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Travel and Tour World}} Vernal
Seasonal: Page (begins June 25, 2025), Taos (begins June 26, 2025){{cite web |title= DIA adds nonstop flights to 2 new cities |url= https://kdvr.com/news/local/dia-adds-nonstop-flights-to-2-new-cities/amp/|website=Fox31 Denver|access-date=22 April 2025|date=14 April 2025}} | {{Cite web |title=Route Map |url=https://www.contourairlines.com/plan-and-book/items/route-map |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=Contour Airlines}}

| Copa Airlines | Panama City–Tocumen | {{cite web|title=Flight Schedule|url=https://www.copaair.com/en/web/us/timetables|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810014849/https://www.copaair.com/en/web/us/timetables|archive-date=August 10, 2017|url-status=live}}

| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma | {{cite web|title=FLIGHT SCHEDULES|url=https://www.delta.com/flightinfo/viewFlightSchedulesSetup.action|access-date=March 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621123636/http://www.delta.com/flightinfo/viewFlightSchedulesSetup.action|archive-date=June 21, 2015|url-status=live}}

| {{nowrap|Denver Air Connection}} | Alamosa, Alliance, Clovis (NM), Cortez, McCook, Pueblo,https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-1999-6589-0206 {{Bare URL inline|date=May 2025}} Telluride (CO), Watertown (SD) (ends August 1, 2025){{cite web|url=https://kfgo.com/2025/06/05/federal-government-extends-contract-for-air-service-in-watertown-pierre/|title=Federal government extends contract for air service in Watertown, Pierre|website=KFGO|date= June 5, 2025|accessdate=2025-06-06}} |{{cite web|title=Destinations - Denver Air Connection|url=http://www.denverairconnection.com/destinations|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324041123/http://www.denverairconnection.com/destinations|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| Edelweiss Air | Seasonal: Zürich{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|title=Timetable|url=https://www.flyedelweiss.com/EN/inform/travel-information/timetable/Pages/timetable.aspx|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114184229/https://www.flyedelweiss.com/en/inform/travel-information/timetable/pages/timetable.aspx|archive-date=January 14, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| Frontier Airlines | Atlanta, Austin, Boise,https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/02/18/frontier-adds-14-routes-returns-to-two-airports/ {{Bare URL inline|date=May 2025}} Burbank,{{cite web|url=https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines-airports/frontier-airlines-unveils-new-routes-for-fall|title=Frontier Airlines Unveils New Routes for Fall|website=Travel Pulse|access-date=August 27, 2024}} Cancún, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Charlotte, Chicago–Midway, Chicago–O'Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Des Moines, Detroit, El Paso, Everett,{{cite web |title=Paine Field adds new budget carrier, Frontier Airlines|url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/paine-field-adds-new-budget-carrier-frontier-airlines/ |website=Herald.net |date=March 4, 2025 |access-date=4 March 2025}} Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Houston–Hobby, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Los Angeles, Madison, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Missoula, Nashville, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Pensacola, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Raleigh/Durham, Reno/Tahoe,{{cite web | url=https://www.kolotv.com/2024/11/19/frontier-airlines-returns-reno-2025/ | title=Frontier Airlines returns to Reno in 2025 | date=November 19, 2024 }} Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), Savannah, Seattle/Tacoma, Sioux Falls, Spokane,{{Cite web|url=https://www.kxly.com/news/frontier-airlines-coming-to-spokane-airport-with-direct-denver-flight/article_61dca2b2-ee28-11ef-b158-a7699e2440cf.html |title=Frontier Airlines coming to Spokane Airport with direct Denver flight |website=kxly|date=February 18, 2025|access-date=February 18, 2025}} St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson,{{cite web |title=Frontier Airlines 1Q25 Various Network Resumptions |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241120-f91q25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=20 November 2024}} Washington–National
Seasonal: Baltimore,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Bloomington/Normal,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Buffalo,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Fort Myers,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Jacksonville (FL),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Palm Springs,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Pittsburgh,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Puerto Vallarta{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|title=Frontier|url=https://www.flyfrontier.com|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912053526/https://www.flyfrontier.com/|archive-date=September 12, 2017|url-status=live}}

| Icelandair | Reykjavík–Keflavík | {{cite web | url=https://www.icelandair.com/flights/campaign/destinations-schedule/#north-america-flights | title=Our Flight Schedule 2022 | Icelandair }}

| JetBlue | Boston, New York–JFK | {{cite web|title=JetBlue Airlines Timetable|url=https://b6.innosked.com/(S(ke2am3wxgiegj0zs1pxotirq))/default.aspx|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713064749/http://b6.innosked.com/(S(52udsaj2thvywnmtihsndo55))/default.aspx|archive-date=July 13, 2013|url-status=live}}

| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich | {{cite web|url=http://www.lufthansa.com/ca/en/Online-timetable|title=Timetable - Lufthansa Canada|publisher=Lufthansa|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109191434/http://www.lufthansa.com/ca/en/Online-timetable|archive-date=November 9, 2017|url-status=live}}

| {{nowrap|Southern Airways Express}}| Chadron | {{Cite web|url=https://iflysouthern.com/|title=SOUTHERN AIRWAYS EXPRESS|website=iflysouthern.com}}

| Southwest Airlines | Albany, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Birmingham (AL), Boise, Boston, Bozeman, Buffalo, Burbank, Cancún, Charlotte, Chicago–Midway, Chicago–O'Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas–Love, Des Moines, Detroit, El Paso, Eugene, Fort Lauderdale, Fresno, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Houston–Hobby, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (FL), Kansas City, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Louisville, Lubbock, Memphis, Miami, Midland/Odessa, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Montrose, Nashville, New Orleans, New York–LaGuardia, Norfolk, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), Providence, Puerto Vallarta, Raleigh/Durham, Reno/Tahoe, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), San José del Cabo, Santa Barbara, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Tulsa, Washington–Dulles, Wichita
Seasonal: Belize City,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Charleston (SC),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Fort Myers,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Greenville/Spartanburg,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Liberia (CR),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Myrtle Beach,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Panama City (FL),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Pensacola,{{cn|date=June 2025}} San José (CR),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Sarasota,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Savannah{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|title=Check Flight Schedules|url=https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/index.html|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053931/https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/index.html|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=live}}

| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis/St. Paul | {{cite web |title=Travel Destinations |publisher=Sun Country Airlines |url=https://www.suncountry.com/Explore/Travel-Destinations.html |access-date=June 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321073415/https://www.suncountry.com/Explore/Travel-Destinations.html |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |url-status=live }}

| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | {{cite web |url=https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-us/flights/ |title=Online Flight Schedule |publisher=Turkish Airlines}}

| United Airlines | Albuquerque, Anchorage, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Billings, Boise, Boston, Bozeman, Buffalo, Burbank, Calgary, Cancún, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Charleston (SC), Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Columbus–Glenn, Dallas/Fort Worth, Des Moines, Detroit, Durango (CO), Eagle/Vail, Edmonton, El Paso, Eugene, Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Frankfurt, Fresno, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Grand Junction, Grand Rapids, Greenville/Spartanburg, Hartford, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Honolulu, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Jackson Hole, Jacksonville (FL), Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Kansas City, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Lihue, London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Louisville, Madison, Medford, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Missoula, Montego Bay, Montrose, Munich, Nashville, New Orleans, New York–LaGuardia, Newark, Norfolk, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Springs, Panama City (FL), Pensacola, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland (OR), Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana (begins October 26, 2025), Raleigh/Durham, Rapid City, Redmond/Bend, Reno/Tahoe, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), San José del Cabo, San Juan, San Luis Obispo,https://www.united.com/en/us/flightstatus/details/1147/2024-08-20/DEN/SBP/UA {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}} Santa Barbara, Savannah, Seattle/Tacoma, Sioux Falls, Spokane, St. Louis, Syracuse, Tampa, Tokyo–Narita, Toronto–Pearson, Vancouver, Washington–Dulles, Washington–National, Wichita
Seasonal: Belize City,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Burlington (VT),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Cozumel,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Fairbanks,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Great Falls,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Liberia (CR),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Mexico City (resumes October 26, 2025),{{cite web|url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/04/25/united-plans-more-international-routes/|title=United Plans More International Routes|publisher=AirlineGeeks.com|date=April 2025|accessdate=April 25, 2025}} Myrtle Beach,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Nassau,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Portland (ME),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Roatán,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Rome–Fiumicino,{{cite web |title=United Airlines to fly nonstop from DIA to Rome in 2025 |work= FOX31 Denver |url= https://kdvr.com/news/local/united-airlines-to-fly-nonstop-from-dia-to-rome-in-2025/ |publisher=Fox 31 Denver|date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 19, 2024}} San José (CR),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Sarasota,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Traverse City,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Tri-Cities (WA),{{cn|date=June 2025}} Tucson,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Tulsa,{{cn|date=June 2025}} West Palm Beach{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|title=Timetable|url=https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/timetable/default.aspx|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128165254/https://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/timetable/default.aspx|archive-date=January 28, 2017|url-status=live}}

| United Express | Albuquerque, Amarillo, Appleton, Asheville, Aspen, Bakersfield, Billings, Birmingham (AL), Bismarck, Boise, Bozeman, Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Colorado Springs, Columbia (MO) (resumes September 25, 2025),{{Cite web|title=United sets service to COU to resume|url=https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/united-airlines-returning-to-cou-with-flights-to-denver-chicago/article_1b3692a9-12a5-4c2e-9b67-1a4c45454b46.html}} Dayton, Des Moines, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Dodge City, Durango (CO), Eagle/Vail, El Paso, Eureka, Fargo, Farmington,{{Cite web|url=https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/skywest-brings-commercial-air-service-to-farmington/|title=SkyWest set to bring commercial air service back to Farmington|access-date=January 23, 2025|website=KOB4|date=January 21, 2025 }} Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fresno, Gillette, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Grand Junction, Greensboro, Greenville/Spartanburg, Gunnison/Crested Butte, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Hays, Helena, Hobbs, Huntsville, Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole, Jamestown (ND), Joplin, Kansas City, Kearney,https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-1996-1715-0177 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}} Knoxville, Laramie, Lexington, Liberal, Lincoln, Little Rock, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Milwaukee, Minot, Missoula, Moline/Quad Cities, Monterey, Montrose, North Platte, Oklahoma City, Palm Springs, Panama City (FL), Peoria, Pierre (begins August 1, 2025),https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2011-0138-0150 {{Bare URL inline|date=May 2025}} Prescott, Rapid City, Redding, Regina, Riverton, Rock Springs, Salina, Salt Lake City, San Luis Obispo, Santa Fe, Scottsbluff, Sheridan (WY), Shreveport, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Springfield/Branson, St. George (UT), Sun Valley, Tri-Cities (WA), Tucson, Tulsa, Watertown (SD) (begins August 1, 2025),{{cite web|url=https://kfgo.com/2025/06/05/federal-government-extends-contract-for-air-service-in-watertown-pierre/|title=Federal government extends contract for air service in Watertown, Pierre|website=KFGO|date= June 5, 2025|accessdate=2025-06-06}} Wichita, Williston (ND), Winnipeg
Seasonal: Bishop,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Eugene,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Great Falls,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Harlingen,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Medford,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Minneapolis/St. Paul,{{cn|date=June 2025}} North Bend/Coos Bay,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Omaha,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Santa Barbara,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Spokane,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Traverse City,{{cn|date=June 2025}} West Yellowstone,{{cn|date=June 2025}} Wilmington (NC) |

| Viva | Mexico City–AIFA (begins November 20, 2025),{{cite web |url= https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/04/15/viva-aerobus-adds-7-new-u-s-routes/ |title= Viva Aerobus Adds 7 New U.S. Routes |website=AirlineGeeks|date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=April 15, 2025}} Monterrey | {{cite web|url=https://enelaire.mx/viva-aerobus-anuncia-el-mayor-crecimiento-en-la-historia-aerea-de-monterrey/|title=Viva Aerobus announces the greatest growth in the aerial history of Monterrey|language=Spanish |accessdate=September 27, 2023|date=September 2023|website = EnElAire}}

| Volaris | Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Mexico City| {{cite web|title=Volaris Flight Schedule|url=http://cms.volaris.com/en/travel-with-volaris/flight-information/complete-timetable-of-our-flights/|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227151536/http://cms.volaris.com/en/travel-with-volaris/flight-information/complete-timetable-of-our-flights/|archive-date=February 27, 2017|url-status=live}}

| WestJet | Seasonal: Calgary{{cn|date=June 2025}} | {{cite web|url=https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/flights/direct-flights|title=Direct and Non-Stop Flights|publisher=WestJet|access-date=October 29, 2022}}

}}

{{unreferenced section|date=July 2022}}

{{Airport destination list

| AirNet Express | Columbus–Rickenbacker

| Alpine Air Express | Colorado Springs, Cheyenne, Gunnison, Hayden, Salida

| Amazon Air | Cincinnati, Ontario, Wilmington

| Bemidji Airlines | Colby, Goodland, McCook, North Platte, Sidney (NE), Trinidad (CO)

| DHL Aviation | Cincinnati, Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City

| FedEx Express | Billings, Fort Worth/Alliance, Fresno, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, San Jose (CA)
Seasonal: Houston–Intercontinental

| UPS Airlines | Billings, Burbank, Chicago/Rockford, Everett, Louisville, Ontario, Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City, Seattle–Boeing

}}

{{Notelist|group=marketshare}}

{{Airport-Statistics|iata=DEN}}

{{notelist|group=lower-alpha}}

File:Continental Airlines Flight 1404 wreckage3.jpg

• On February 16, 2007, 14 aircraft suffered windshield failures within a three-and-a-half-hour period at the airport. A total of 26 windshields on these aircraft failed. The NTSB opened an investigation, determining that foreign object damage was the cause, possibly the sharp sand used earlier that winter for traction purposes combined with wind gusts of {{convert|48|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=NTSB Report DEN07IA069|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20070313X00281&ntsbno=DEN07IA069&akey=1|work=National Transportation Safety Board|date=June 27, 2007|access-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405201142/https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20070313X00281&ntsbno=DEN07IA069&akey=1|archive-date=April 5, 2015|url-status=live}}
• On December 20, 2008, a Continental Airlines Boeing 737-500 operating as Flight 1404 to Houston–Intercontinental Airport veered off the left side of runway 34R and caught fire during its takeoff roll at DEN. There were 38 injuries sustained by the passengers and crew; however, there were no fatalities. There was no snow or ice on the runway, however there were {{convert|31|knot|mph km/h||adj=on}} crosswinds at the time of the accident. On July 13, 2010, the NTSB published that the probable cause of this accident was the captain's cessation of right rudder input, which was needed to maintain directional control of the airplane.{{cite news|title=Continental Jet Veers Off Runway on Takeoff, Slams into Ravine, Catches Fire|first1=Kevin|last1=Simpson|first2=Joey|last2=Bunch|first3=Howard|last3=Pankratz|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1254071AF5055188&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|newspaper=The Denver Post|page=A1|date=December 21, 2008|access-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002102244/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1254071AF5055188&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|archive-date=October 2, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Continental Flight Slides Off Runway; Dozens Injured |url=http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=106325&catid=339 |work=KUSA |date=December 21, 2008 |access-date=December 21, 2008 }} {{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|title=NTSB Begins Investigation into Why Plane Slid Off Runway |url=http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=106332&catid=339 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203003133/http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=106332&catid=339 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 3, 2012 |work=KUSA |date=December 21, 2008 |access-date=December 21, 2008 }}
• On April 3, 2012, an ExpressJet Embraer ERJ-145, registration N15973, operating as Flight UA/EV-5912 from Peoria, IL to Denver, was landing on 34R when the aircraft hit the approach lights and stopped on the runway. Smoke developed inside the aircraft and passengers were evacuated onto the runway. One passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.{{cite news|title=Accident: Expressjet E145 at Denver on April 3, 2012, Smoke in Cockpit, Hard Short Landing|first=Simon|last=Hradecky|url=http://www.avherald.com/h?article=44d72e46&opt=0|work=The Aviation Herald|date=April 3, 2012|access-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181010/http://www.avherald.com/h?article=44d72e46&opt=0|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=live}}
• On February 20, 2021, United Airlines Flight 328, a Boeing 777-200 that was on its way from Denver to Honolulu, Hawaii, suffered engine damage just after takeoff and had to return to Denver International Airport. Debris from the damaged engine fell on a neighborhood in Broomfield, a city around 25 miles from the airport. The damaged airplane landed safely on runway 26 and no injuries were reported.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/plane-lands-safely-after-dropping-debris-outside-house/ar-BB1dRvt5|title = Plane debris rains down on neighborhood after engine failure|website = MSN}}
• On March 13, 2025, American Airlines Flight 1006, a Boeing 737-800 originating from Colorado Springs, caught fire after landing at Denver International Airport and taxiing to the gate. All 178 passengers and crew were safely evacuated.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=178 people evacuated from American Airlines plane due to fire at Denver International Airport |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/passengers-evacuated-after-american-airlines-plane-fire-at-denver-international-airport/amp/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=FOX31 Denver |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=American Airlines Flight 1006 diverted to Denver International Airport, airplane engine catches fire after landing, FAA says {{!}} abc7ny.com |url=https://abc7.com/post/american-airlines-flight-1006-diverted-denver-international-airport-airplane-engine-catches-fire-landing-faa-says/16019482/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=abc7ny.com|date=March 14, 2025 }}{{cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/484948|title=Accident description for N885NN at Aviation Safety Network|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=March 18, 2025}}

{{Portal|Colorado|Aviation}}

• Busiest airports in the United States by international passenger traffic
• Busiest airports in the United States by total passenger boardings
• List of airports in the Denver area
• List of airports with triple takeoff/landing capability
• List of the busiest airports in the United States
• List of longest runways
• Megaprojects and Risk: An Anatomy of Ambition
• World's busiest airports by passenger traffic
• World's busiest airports by traffic movements
• World's busiest airports by cargo traffic
• World's busiest airports by international passenger traffic
• List of tallest air traffic control towers in the United States

{{reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

{{Cite news |last=Hsu |first=Tiffany |date=2023-04-29 |title=A Towering, Terrifying Demon Horse Isn't Even the Weirdest Part |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/29/business/media/denver-airport.html |access-date=2023-06-12 |issn=0362-4331}}

{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Monica |title=6 conspiracy theories people believe about Denver's airport, debunked |url=https://www.insider.com/denver-international-airport-conspiracy-theories-debunked-2021-10 |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=Insider |language=en-US}}

{{Cite web |last= Wenzel|first=John|date=2016-10-31 |title=The definitive guide to Denver International Airport's biggest conspiracy theories |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/10/31/definitive-guide-to-denver-international-airport-conspiracy-theories/ |access-date=2023-06-13 |website=The Denver Post |language=en-US}}

{{Cite web |title=DEN and Roswell Become Supernatural Sister Airports {{!}} Denver International Airport |url=https://www.flydenver.com/about/download/den_and_roswell_become_supernatural_sister_airports |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=www.flydenver.com}}

}}

{{sister project links|auto=yes}}

• {{official website}}
• {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/*/http://infodenver.denver.co.us/~aviation/diaintro.html|title=Denver International Airport}}
• {{FAA-diagram|09077}}
• [https://www.bigorre.org/aero/meteo/KDEN/en Denver International Airport aviation weather] {{in lang|es|en|fr|zh}}
• [https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/denver/dia-conspiracy-theories A Local's Guide to Denver International Airport Conspiracy Theories], Denver Public Library

{{US-airport|DEN}}

{{Neighborhoods of Denver}}

{{Major US Airports}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Airports in Colorado

Category:Tensile membrane structures

Category:Transportation buildings and structures in Denver

Category:Airports established in 1995

Category:1995 establishments in Colorado