All lanes of inbound and outbound Peña Blvd are open. Google and Apple Maps may incorrectly direct drivers to exit onto Jackson Gap, but drivers should remain on Peña Blvd.
South Level 6 terminal bridge and connected escalator are closed for construction until mid-November. For drop-off, please use the terminal side that matches your airline.
News and Press
Milestone marked with community celebration honoring two decades of operations, investment, partnership, and growth in the Mile High City
DENVER – June 26, 2026 – Denver International Airport (DEN) and Southwest Airlines celebrated the 20th anniversary of Southwest’s operations at DEN, marking two decades of service that have carried more than 290 million passengers on nearly 2.4 million flights through the Mile High City. ¹ Southwest ranks as DEN’s second-largest carrier, accounting for more than 29 percent of passengers carried in 2025.
To mark the milestone, Southwest hosted a western-themed community celebration at the Legacy Building at the National Western Stock Show, bringing together community partners, Rapid Rewards members, and Southwest Business and Cargo customers — a reflection of the relationships Southwest has built across Colorado over 20 years.
“Whether it’s a flight home from college, a last-minute trip to see family, or an early-morning departure to a new adventure, Southwest has been part of so many of our lives,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “For 20 years, Southwest hasn’t just connected cities — it has connected people, opportunity, and possibility. Congratulations to Southwest on 20 years at DEN and thank you for being an important part of Denver’s story.”
On January 3, 2006, Southwest Airlines inaugurated flights from Denver to three airports — Chicago (Midway), Las Vegas, and Phoenix — with an average of 13 daily departures. In 2026, Southwest is scheduled to operate an average of 243 daily departures from Denver to 96 total destinations, including 90 destinations across 39 U.S. states, three in Mexico, two in Costa Rica, and one in Belize.
In spring 2026, Southwest expanded its Denver network with the addition of service to Knoxville, Santa Rosa, Anchorage and Destin-Ft. Walton Beach; new flights to West Palm Beach are scheduled to begin in November.²
“Congratulations to Southwest Airlines on this significant milestone,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “Southwest has been an essential part of DEN’s upward journey, helping us serve travelers and foster connections across the Americas. We’re honored to help them celebrate their success and excited for what the future holds as we work together toward serving 100 million passengers.”
Denver holds the distinction as the fastest-growing airport in Southwest Airlines history. Southwest employs more than 6,500 people across Colorado, leases 40 gates at DEN on Concourse C (more than at any other airport) and has invested in the region’s infrastructure including its Denver hangar, ground support equipment and cargo operations, and Southwest University training capabilities. In 2025, Southwest contributed more than $1.5 million in community giving across Colorado to organizations, such as Colorado Gives Foundation, Downtown Denver Partnership, Latin American Educational Foundation, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Mile High United Way.
“Our People are deeply dedicated to the Denver Community and serving Customers at Denver International, the largest airport operation in our history, built upon a passion for Service and Hospitality, ” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer for Southwest Airlines. “Our Employees who deliver in Denver are the Heart of our success here. Their work supports the lifeblood of Southwest Airlines in connecting millions of Customers to places and moments that matter across our network. We are grateful to the Denver airport, our Employees, Customers, and community leaders all of whom make this mile-high milestone possible. Twenty years in, we’re just getting started.”
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About Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.
1. Number of passengers and flights based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation T100 (Jan. 2006 – Dec. 2025)
2. Southwest’s network sourced from Cirium.
About Southwest Airlines Co.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 120 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline3. By empowering its more than 73,0004 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
3. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025
4. Full time-equivalent active Employees as of March 31, 2026.
