Study Shows DEN Generated $47.2 Billion Annually in Economic Impact for Colorado

DEN continues to be the state’s largest economic engine according to the 2025 Colorado Economic Impact Study released by the CDOT Division of Aeronautics today. Specifically, the study revealed that DEN contributed $47.2 billion annually to the state of Colorado’s economy, a 40.9% increase from the state’s prior study released in 2020. Today’s report also shows that DEN supported 244,172 jobs and $15.9 billion in total payroll.

“Denver International Airport fuels our economy, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and connects our city to the world,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “With every new flight, every new investment, and every traveler who chooses Denver, we reinforce our vibrant city as a leading destination for tourism, business, and economic success.”

The study stated that of the $47.2 billion of total business revenues generated by DEN in 2023, $28.8 billion were generated by on-airport activities and $18.4 billion generated by visitor spending. The report used specific criteria to determine its findings. Direct impacts included airport administration, airport tenants, capital improvements, commercial visitor spending, and general aviation visitor spending. Multiplier effects calculated by the study included portions of revenues used to purchase goods and services from Colorado businesses (supplier sales) and when income earned by workers in airport-supported jobs is spent at Colorado businesses (income re-spending). Total economic impacts add these two components together.

“Since opening thirty years ago this week, DEN’s exponential passenger growth and emergence as a central hub in the global aviation market has contributed to it being a multi-billion-dollar economic engine for the Denver metro area, Colorado and the entire Rocky Mountain region. This is something we are incredibly proud of, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said. “We are focused on preparing the airport for the near future, when we anticipate exceeding 100 million annual passengers, and for the next 100 years, as the aviation field evolves. As DEN grows, so too will Colorado’s economy, through jobs, revenues, new development and industries created to leverage the connectivity and capabilities of DEN.”

In 2022, DEN commissioned a study of the economic impact of DEN’s Vision 100 strategic plan. The study projected that in 2032, or sooner, when Vision 100 projects are expected to be complete and passenger levels are anticipated to exceed 100 million annual passengers, DEN would support 447,386 jobs with a total economic impact of $71.28 billion. This near doubling of economic impact from 2021 to 2032 and the separate quantified impact of implementation of the Vision 100 infrastructure program demonstrates the tremendous power of DEN as a regional and statewide economic generator.

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.

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