Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Since opening on Feb. 28, 1995, Denver International Airport (DEN) has become one of the world’s busiest airports. In 2022, 69.3 million passengers passed through DEN, making DEN the world’s third-busiest airport during the global pandemic. In 2024, DEN welcomed a record-breaking 82.4 million passengers, a 5.8% increase over the previous year. DEN is Colorado’s primary economic engine, generating $47.2 billion in annual economic impact for the state.
DEN has plenty of room to grow to expand its current facilities and accommodate growth. The airport operates on 53 square miles (34,000 acres, or 137.8 square kilometers) of land. That means DEN’s area is twice the size of Manhattan, and larger than the city boundaries of Boston, Miami or San Francisco. In terms of airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International and Dallas Fort Worth could collectively fit into DEN’s expansive property.
DEN’s award-winning architecture and magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains create a unique atmosphere for travelers. Jeppesen Terminal’s internationally recognized peaked roof, designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects, is reflective of snow-capped mountains and evokes the early history of Colorado, when Native American teepees dotted the Great Plains.