Air
Denver International Airport (DIA), one of the world's most modern and efficient airports, is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver. Located 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver, DIA is the primary airport serving the Metro Denver region and Colorado.
The $4.2 billion facility encompasses 53 square miles, making DIA twice the size of Manhattan Island. Opened in 1995, DIA is the only major airport built in the U.S. in the past 25 years.
In 2009, total passenger traffic at DIA (50.2 million) fell 2.1 percent below traffic from 2008. The decline, however, was significantly smaller than the drop in passenger traffic reported nationwide.
At DIA,16 commercial carriers provide nonstop service to more than 140 domestic and international destinations. Specifically, DIA offers nonstop service to 19 international locations including destinations in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
DIA is a national leader in sustainability efforts and was the first airport in the nation awarded membership in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Performance Track program, which recognizes facilities that exceed regulatory requirements and strive to protect public health and the environment.
DIA was the first international airport in the nation to receive an ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system. In addition to various materials recycling programs, the airport's environmental management program also includes protocol for storm and wastewater management, environmental planning, and compliance. The DIA sustainability strategy also includes two solar panel arrays, one of which completely powers the airport's fuel storage and distribution facility. Plans are also underway nearby for Green Park DIA, a 4,200-space parking facility that will rely on wind and solar power.
Passenger Growth Spurs Expansion
DIA has reached the passenger traffic capacity it was originally designed to accommodate. Officials are considering plans for updated and expanded concourses, security areas, parking areas, and baggage systems. Airport officials are also proceeding with redevelopment plans for the south end of the terminal. The redevelopment project will include an off-concourse hotel and facilities for the FasTracks commuter rail line that will link DIA with downtown Denver's Union Station.
Considering that projected passenger traffic is expected to expand to 62 million by 2020, DIA is preparing for expansion that will likely include a seventh runway, expansion of concourses, public parking, and rental-car facilities, and upgrades to the baggage system. DIA is also planning for integration of passenger rail to and from the airport as part of FasTracks, the region's $6.5 billion mass transit project.
Additional information on DIA can be found in the Download Documents, at DIA's online Business Center, or in the Wing Tips Newsletter.