Over the past year, Denver International Airport (DIA) has experienced unprecedented growth, becoming the busiest it has ever been. Despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the aviation industry, DIA has seen a significant influx of passengers. Phil Washington, the CEO of DIA, predicts that the airport will exceed its initial forecast of 78 million passengers annually by the end of 2023. This tremendous growth is a testament to the appeal and popularity of the Colorado hub.
DIA, also known as the “Mile-High City’s” airport, was initially constructed in 1995 with the capacity to handle 50 million passengers per year. However, current projections indicate that DIA will accommodate over 100 million passengers by 2027, according to estimates from the airport. This rapid growth has propelled the airport from being the 21st busiest in the world in 2019 to the sixth busiest in 2023, as reported by OAG, a global travel data provider.
United Airlines: Leading the Way
United Airlines emerges as the dominant operator at Denver International Airport, commanding an impressive 46.7% market share. Following United, Southwest and Frontier Airlines hold 30.7% and 9.7% of the market share, respectively, according to DIA statistics. For United Airlines, Denver has become its primary hub, surpassing other major airports in terms of traffic. The airline has heavily invested nearly $1 billion in Denver to expand its gates, flights, and destinations. Additionally, United recently unveiled its largest lounge within the network at Denver International Airport.
Meeting the Growing Demand
Jonna McGrath, the Vice President of Denver Airport operations for United Airlines, highlights the increasing importance of Denver as both a connecting hub and a destination. Approximately 60% of United’s customers are connecting from other locations, while 40% are local residents of the rapidly growing city. As a response to this surge in demand, United aims to expand its operations significantly by 2030, with plans to increase the number of daily flights to approximately 650.
CNBC recently had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore the inner workings of United Airlines’ operations at Denver International Airport. This exclusive access provided insights into how the airport and the airline are collaborating to meet the surging demand from passengers. The behind-the-scenes tour also shed light on the investment and infrastructure development plans that United has implemented to ensure the smooth operation of its services.
As Denver continues to experience exponential growth, it is evident that Denver International Airport will play an increasingly pivotal role. With ambitious projections of over 100 million passengers by 2027, the airport’s ongoing expansion efforts are crucial. United Airlines, as the largest operator at DIA, is spearheading this growth by investing in additional resources and introducing new flight routes. The airport’s ability to handle and adapt to this rising demand will be crucial in maintaining its status as a premier aviation hub.
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