Strong Winter Storm Anticipated at Denver International Airport this Weekend

Passengers encouraged to check flight status before heading to the airport

DENVER — March 10, 2021 — A heavy snowstorm is heading our way, and Denver International Airport (DEN) is prepared. We are anticipating heavy, wet snow and strong winds beginning late Friday night until Sunday. Travel impacts throughout the Denver metro region are expected, including flight delays and cancellations at DEN.

Snow removal crews will deploy when snow begins to accumulate. Snow crews are also prepared to treat and clear Peña Boulevard and parking lots throughout the storm.

Passengers flying this weekend are encouraged to check with their airline to confirm flight status before they come to the airport. Additionally, those driving to or from the airport should give themselves plenty of extra time and drive with caution.

DEN has more than 200 pieces of airside-snow-removal equipment (used for runways, taxiways, and ramp areas), 120 pieces of equipment for landside parking lots and roadways, and more than 500 trained snow-removal personnel. The equipment utilized for winter weather includes blowers, brooms, blades, plows, runway sanders, 3,500-gallon chemical trucks, loaders with box plows and multi-function equipment. Airlines are expected to be in full-deicing operations for the duration of the snow. Passengers should expect to spend a little extra time on the aircraft prior to departure.

About Snow Removal at DEN

• The airport property spans 34,000 acres (53 square miles)
• There are approximately 300-lane miles of roads on DEN property (more than the distance from Denver to the Utah border)
• DEN melts the snow that is cleared from the ramp areas near aircraft gates. DEN has two different types of melters, including nine that melt 600 tons of snow per hour, and one that melts 150 tons of snow per hour
• By using multi-function pieces of equipment and making other improvements to snow management, the airport has reduced the average amount of time needed to clear a runway to under 15 minutes. DEN has six runways:
  – Five are 12,000 feet in length (3,600 meters) and 150-feet wide
  – One is 16,000 feet in length (4,800 meters) and 200-feet wide, and is the longest commercial runway in North America Travel

Tips for Passengers

• Travelers should confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport
• Motorists should drive with caution and allow extra time when heading to the airport. Make sure to give our plows room to do their job. Because area roadways could also be impacted, consider using the RTD A-Line.
• Parking at DEN has changed due to COVID-19. DEN’s shuttle parking lots, including Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert, East Economy lot, Terminal East Short Term parking and valet parking in both garages are currently closed. The West economy lot and both garages are open. Remember to check FlyDenver.com and signage on Peña Boulevard for the latest parking information.
• Face coverings are required to be worn by everyone when on airport property.

Images and Video

• Stock images of DEN snow operations are available at images.flydenver.com/Snow-Removal/SnowRemoval/
• B-roll is available by clicking here (1.2 GB)

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 $36 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.

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