Study: Denver International Airport Grows to a $26.3 Billion Economic Engine for Colorado

DENVER, CO — Oct. 10, 2013 — Denver International Airport (DIA) has grown to become a $26.3 billion economic engine for the state of Colorado and a critical link for businesses and travelers, according to a new report by The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics.

The 2013 Economic Impact Study for Colorado Airports, which was released today by CDOT, shows that DIA’s critical role in supporting the Colorado economy has increased almost 18 percent, from $22.3 billion per year in 2008 to $26.3 billion per year in 2013.

Among the other findings in the study:

• DIA supports the equivalent of 188,338 full-time jobs and a payroll totaling $8.6 billion
• The airport accounts for 66 percent of the estimated $18.2 billion statewide economic impact from airport management, tenants and capital investment
• Colorado manufacturers rely on air-cargo services at DIA, which accounts for an annual economic impact of $5.4 billion
• DIA-supported activities contribute more than $1.1 billion in local, state and federal taxes
• 15 percent of Colorado’s total employment is in some way supported by aviation
• DIA is a critical link for the state’s tourism industry, with the vast majority of visitors who arrive in Colorado via commercial aircraft traveling through the airport

“As we approach 20 years of operation in 2015, Denver International Airport remains the primary economic engine for the Colorado economy,” said Kim Day, Denver’s manager of aviation. “The Federal Aviation Administration forecasts that air travel on U.S. airlines will nearly double to 1.2 billion passengers by 2032. DIA is well positioned to capitalize on this growth and remain a critical link to the world for businesses in the Rocky Mountain region. The airport is already seeing double-digit increases in international passenger traffic, and we are working to expand the number of gates to accommodate growing air service. At the same time, we are bringing our customers a better mix of shopping and dining choices, and working to improve the overall travel experience.”

The complete 2013 Economic Impact Study for Colorado Airports is available online by clicking here.

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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