Denver International Airport Sets New Passenger Records, Models Responsible Growth

Denver International Airport has been making a habit of announcing its "highest traffic month ever," on a regular basis. With their report of 4,773,268 travelers passing through in July (a 3.6 percent increase over the same month in 2006) and 55,012 flight operations (a slight decrease over the previous year's July total), the airport is busy preparing not only for higher capacity, but to continue to help make Denver one of the most desirable destinations for travelers.

As the number five airport in the USA and number ten in the world for passenger traffic according to their press release, Denver International Airport has been working hard to keep up with its success. As a United Airlines hub and home of Frontier Airlines, DIA has a solid foundation on which to grow.

Recent developments at Denver International Airport include a new regional terminal, used by United's United Express regional service and opened in April. Many airports still provide regional jet access by sending passengers into the weather, walking to their flight over the tarmac, and climbing portable stairs, the airport notes. DIA's access is similar to that of larger flights, in comfort, easily accessible, and out of the weather. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, at opening ceremonies in April (as reported by DIA's press release), noted that the facility will "represent Denver's role ... as a gateway to the Rocky Mountain West and the western Great Plains." Consolidation of United's regional flights at the new Concourse B area will also free up gates at Concourse A for the expansion of other carriers in that terminal. An added feature for passengers at the regional terminal will be concessions for local businesses including Heidi's Brooklyn Deli and the New Belgium Brewing Co., as well as the omnipresent Starbucks.