Air
Colorado has 79 public-use airports, 14 of which provide commercial service. The remaining 65 airports serve the needs of privately owned corporate, personal, and recreational aircraft.
Denver International Airport (DEN)In 2005, Approximately 43.4 million passengers passed through Denver International Airport, an increase of 2.6% or nearly 1 million passengers from 2004, the second straight recording-breaking year. 2006 is on pace to top 2005 as monthly statistics reveal continued passenger traffic growth. With 94 gates and five 12,000-foot runways, it is the only facility in the world designed to accommodate three streams of aircraft simultaneously during all types of weather. DEN also features three concourses, and an underground 'people mover' subway system. At just 11 years old, DEN is one of the youngest and most modern major international airports, and situated on 34,000 acres, it is one of the largest. Construction on a 16,000-foot sixth runway was recently completed at a cost of $169 million. This is the longest runway in the U.S. and will allow long-distance aircraft to fly direct to Europe and Asia during the summer. Thirty airlines offer regularly scheduled passenger service to Denver International Airport. In addition to DEN's regular scheduled flights, several international and domestic charters leave from its gates daily. |
Quick Facts
DEN is the 6th busiest airport in the U.S. and 11th busiest in the world - Bureau of Transportation StatisticsDEN recorded its busiest year ever in 2005, with 43.4 million travelers passing through the airport - Denver International Airport DEN is the best airport in North America - Business Traveler Magazine, 2006 Time Magazine has named DEN as America's best-run airport DEN consistently ranks among the top 5 U.S. airports for on-time arrivals and customer satisfaction DIA's 327-foot FAA control tower is one of the tallest in North America. There are 548 stairs from ground level to the top and the average walking time is 20 minutes. |
Did You Know?
DEN was designed to serve the region well into the 21st century, with capacity to expand to 200 gates, capable of serving 110 million passengers per year. |
DEN is also a major cargo hub, with more than 375,000 square feet of air cargo space in five buildings covering more than 22 acres. All of the major cargo companies have extensive, daily operations at DEN, such as Federal Express, Airborne Express, Burlington Express, the United Parcel Service, and the U.S. Postal Service. There is a full complement of support services such as freight forwarders, shipping, container and warehousing services, and ground transportation. In 2005, Denver International Airport handled 683,000 U.S. tons of air freight.
Did You Know?
In light of new responsibilities for airports to enhance and improve security, DEN recently completed a passenger screening expansion project. At a cost of $4.7 million the expansion added six new screening lanes in the terminal to cut down the time spent in security lines. |
Daily Non-Stop Flights to Major US Metropolitan Areas - Denver International Airport
DEN averaged 1,555 flights per day in 2005, and provides service to over 100 major U.S. metropolitan areas. The following tables list the number of non-stop flights to major U.S. cities.
City, State |
Flights To |
Atlanta, GA |
17 |
Boston, MA |
8 |
Charlotte, NC |
6 |
Chicago, IL |
30 |
Cleveland, OH |
3 |
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX |
28 |
Detroit, MI |
10 |
Houston, TX |
18 |
Las Vegas, NV |
27 |
Los Angeles |
34 |
Miami, FL |
2 |
Minneapolis, MN |
17 |
New York, NY |
17 |
Philadelphia, PA |
8 |
Phoenix, AZ |
29 |
Portland, OR |
16 |
St. Louis, MO |
18 |
San Diego, CA |
13 |
San Francisco, CA |
23 |
Seattle/Tacoma, WA |
15 |
Washington, D.C. |
21 |
DEN also has daily, nonstop service to dozens of international destinations, and international passengers at DEN increased 32.4 percent in 2005. International destinations include cities like London, Frankfurt, Munich and Mexico City, with easy connecting flights to hundreds of additional international destinations. DEN expects to have a nonstop flight to Tokyo sometime in 2008.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
More than 2 million passengers pass through Colorado Springs Airport (COS) each year. The airport serves as the first impression for thousands of visitors, giving them a breathtaking view of Pikes Peak and a taste of Colorado hospitality. In addition, COS is a major catalyst in the growth and development of the Colorado Springs region, and plays a significant role in bringing new business, conventions and tourism to the area. COS's three-level, 16-gate terminal facility, opened in 1994. In this 280,000 square-foot facility, numerous skylights and large windows provide panoramic views of Pikes Peak and Colorado's Front Range.
COS, ideally situated close to the geographic center of the United States, provides services and amenities that attract a wide array of general aviation aircraft. The airport is situated on 7,135 acres at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet; 200 acres consist of general aviation development and another 427 acres have been set aside for a business park. Two parallel runways and one crosswind runway accommodate the airport's air traffic. Uncongested air and ground space, short taxi time, and a low weather-related closure/cancellation rate are why COS consistently ranks among the lowest in delays of all U.S. airports.
Commercial Air Service
COS boasts multiple carriers that offer varied routes to virtually all cities in North America and major cities worldwide. This ultimately allows the airport to provide convenient flight schedules and competitive airfares. The airport handles around 110 arrivals and departures per day and is served by eight airlines. COS has non-stop service to 13 U.S. cities, as well as convenient connecting flights.
Customer Convenience
The wide array of services available to passengers and other airport users contribute to COS's well deserved user-friendly reputation. COS is easy to navigate - whether you're a family on the go or a road-weary business executive. The farthest gate is a walk of less than 1,000 feet from airline ticket counters or baggage carousels. COS continues to meet the changing needs of the travelers with planned facilities enhancements, including new concessions and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The airport is within easy driving distance to various Colorado cities and tourist attractions, including 14 major ski areas.
Non-stop Flights from Colorado Springs Airport: The Colorado Springs Airport has non-stop service to a number of major cities nationwide. The following table lists the destinations, as well as the number of non-stop flights departing Colorado Springs daily.
City, State |
Non-stop Flights |
Albuquerque, NM |
2 |
Atlanta, GA |
1 |
Chicago (O'Hare), IL |
9 |
Cincinnati, OH |
1 |
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX |
6 |
Denver, CO |
15 |
Houston, TX |
5 |
Las Vegas |
4 |
Los Angeles, CA |
3 |
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN |
2 |
Phoenix, AZ |
4 |
Salt Lake City, UT |
3 |
Santa Barbara, CA |
2 |
Source: Colorado Springs Airport Online Flight Guide, 2006
Other Airports in Colorado
A variety of smaller airports can be found throughout Colorado. For a map of Colorado's airports, please see: http://www.metrodenver.org/documents/AirportsColorado.pdf
During ski season, a number of resort-area airports such as Aspen, Eagle/Vail, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs have non-stop service to and from a number of major US cities.