The Denver International Airport reveals ambitious expansion plans

In 2021, Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, stated that the terminal under his supervision would reach one hundred million annual passengers by 2032. However, due to the constant increase in passenger numbers, with 36.5 million people passing through this facility in the first half of 2023, a 13.6% increase compared to the first half of 2022, it appears that this milestone could be achieved even earlier, possibly by 2027.

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However, the airport’s current infrastructure was originally designed to handle only 50 million passengers per year, leading to significant queues at security checkpoints. To address this issue, the necessary reforms and expansions are progressing rapidly. Phil Washington emphasized, «We are on an accelerated schedule to keep pace with this tremendous growth.» These works include the «Great Hall Project,» which encompasses the renovation of facilities such as restrooms, the creation of new check-in areas, and the installation of a new security checkpoint.

Here’s a sneak peek at what a future DEN could look like. ?

With 120+ million annual passengers forecasted by 2045, our Master Plan has been updated to meet the demand. More terminal processing, gates and a walkable experience without need for the train are under consideration. pic.twitter.com/Xi0UJNWMvl

— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) October 5, 2023

To tackle the queue problem, the opening of a new security checkpoint at the western end is scheduled for February 6th. It will have the capacity to process up to 250 people per lane per hour. However, the opening of this new checkpoint will entail the closure of the existing one on the opposite side of the airport. Washington assured that both points would compensate each other, and there is no anticipation of a significant increase in wait times.

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Regarding priorities, the CEO pointed out that updating restrooms and boarding lounge facilities is among the most important. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the most pressing issue at the airport is the train system. To address this matter, he revealed that orders for new trains have been placed, expected to arrive next year. Furthermore, plans are underway for new platforms, although a specific schedule has not yet been established.

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In addition to these enhancements, Washington introduced «Denver International Airport Operation 2045». Given that recent simulations anticipate the airport reaching 120 million annual passengers by 2045, the construction of four new terminals, each with 25 new gates, is planned. This operation also includes a new processing area on the southern side of the airport and a car rental area. The construction of the new terminals will occur in phases, with an additional eleven gates to be added to Terminal C.