Roberta Aguirre
Denver International Airport (DIA) is the subject of many conspiracy theories, including the theory that it is a military base. The airport, located roughly 20 miles from downtown Denver, opened in 1995 and has been a hub for both air traffic and conspiracy theories. The most popular theories include the existence of secret tunnels and clues regarding secret societies, as well as horrifying harbingers of doom hidden in public artwork around the airport. One of the most persistent theories is that DIA is a cover for a military base, used to conduct top-secret government experiments, house government authorities in the event of war, or carry out other military activities. The theory suggests that the tunnels underneath the airport connect to the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which is over 90 miles away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver |
| Land Area | 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2) |
| Runway Length | 16,000 feet (3.03 mi; 4.88 km) |
| Airlines | 25 different airlines offering non-stop service to over 215 destinations |
| Year Opened | 1995 |
| Conspiracy Theories | Secret tunnels, lizard people, cursed horse statue, links to New World Order, Freemasons, Illuminati, aliens, and military bases |
| Employees | Over 40,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Lizard people and aliens in tunnels
The Denver International Airport has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since its opening in 1995, including rumours about the tunnels beneath the airport. With over 40,000 employees, it is the largest employer in Colorado and the second-largest airport in the world by land area. Conspiracy theories have been fuelled by the airport's isolated location, unusual art, and mysterious tunnels.
One of the most pervasive legends about the airport is that it is home to lizard people and aliens in tunnels beneath the airport. The airport acknowledges the existence of several subterranean levels, but states that the tunnels only extend less than two miles out to the airport's perimeter. Conspiracy theorists, however, believe that these tunnels lead to underground bunkers for lizard people and aliens. The lore also includes theories about the tunnels leading to military bases, survival bunkers for the rich and elite, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
The conspiracy theories about lizard people and aliens have been fuelled by several factors. Blurry videos of lizard people and drawings of aliens have appeared online and on tunnel walls, often attributed to mischievous employees who have been known to wear lizard masks and create alien graffiti. The airport's unusual murals, painted by artist Leo Tanguma, also contribute to the theories. These murals depict man-made environmental destruction and genocide, and conspiracy theorists claim they represent Nazism, death, or a prophecy of the end of the world.
The airport has also been linked to secret societies such as the Freemasons, the Illuminati, and the New World Order. A time capsule at the airport with the Freemason symbol and the words "New World Airport Commission" has been used as "evidence" for these theories. The airport has even capitalised on these myths with a series of ads playing into the conspiracy theories, such as depicting a lizard person, mysterious tunnels, and asking, "Construction? Or cover-up?".
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Freemasons and New World Order
Denver International Airport, the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, has been the subject of various conspiracy theories due to its isolated location and the existence of tunnels beneath it. One such theory links the airport to the Freemasons and the New World Order.
The Freemasons are one of the world's oldest secular fraternal organizations, dating back to late 16th–early 17th century Britain. To the public, the Freemasons are a society of like-minded men who gather to raise money for charitable causes. However, some believe that the Freemasons have a hidden political agenda and are working towards establishing a New World Order, a globalist authoritarian government that will replace sovereign nations and states.
The theory connecting Denver International Airport to the Freemasons and the New World Order stems from a time capsule discovered at the airport bearing the Freemason symbol and the words "New World Airport Commission." This has fueled speculation that the airport is controlled by Freemasons and linked to the New World Order or other secret societies. The airport's remote location has further fueled rumors that it could be used by the New World Order as a prison or concentration camp.
The Freemasons have been associated with the New World Order for several reasons. Firstly, they have rejected traditional and orthodox authority, embracing the idea that all people are equal, regardless of religion. This egalitarian philosophy is often seen as un-Christian and has drawn the attention of those who believe in a one-world government. Additionally, the secretive nature of Masonic societies and their exclusive male-only meetings have sparked suspicions that they are hiding something.
Furthermore, the influence of Freemasons in pivotal moments in history, particularly in the United States, has been noted. Notable figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were Freemasons, and their impact can be seen in American statecraft and culture, including the Great Seal of the United States and the one-dollar bill. The Latin phrase "Novus Ordo Seclorum" on the Great Seal has been interpreted as alluding to the New World Order.
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Military annex
The Denver International Airport (DIA) has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since its opening in 1995. One of the most prominent theories suggests that beneath the airport lies a secret military annex. This theory is based on several factors, including the airport's massive size, construction delays, budget overruns, and the existence of underground tunnels.
DIA is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, spanning over 33,531 acres. The airport's vast size has led some to question whether all the buildings and hangars are solely for airport use or if some have a more secretive purpose. The airport's construction was also delayed, and it went significantly over budget, raising suspicions about what the additional time and money were spent on.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the military annex theory is the existence of underground tunnels beneath the airport. These tunnels have been the subject of numerous rumours and conspiracy theories, including claims that they lead to secret bunkers for the rich and elite, military bases, or even homes for aliens or lizard people. While the airport has stated that the tunnels are used for moving luggage, some believe that they could also connect to the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, located over 90 miles away.
Adding to the intrigue, DIA officials have addressed several other conspiracy theories in a marketing campaign but notably did not mention the military annex theory. This omission has led some to believe that the theory could, in fact, be true. The theory suggests that the airport could be a cover for a military base, used for top-secret government experiments, housing government authorities in times of war, or conducting various other military activities.
While there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a military annex beneath DIA, the combination of factors, including the airport's size, construction delays, budget overruns, and the mysterious underground tunnels, has fuelled speculation and kept the conspiracy theory alive.
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Gargoyles and artwork
The Denver International Airport (DIA) has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since its opening in 1995, with many speculating about the existence of secret tunnels and hidden meanings in its artwork. One of the most notable artworks at the centre of these theories is "Notre Denver", a piece by Terry Allen that features two gargoyle statues watching over the airport's baggage claim area. The gargoyles, emerging from open suitcases, have often been interpreted as suspicious and linked to various conspiracies. However, the airport's website offers a different explanation, stating that the gargoyles are traditional totems used in architecture to ward off evil spirits and protect the buildings they inhabit.
The presence of gargoyles in "Notre Denver" is not the only aspect of the artwork that has drawn attention. The piece is also known for its interactive nature, as the gargoyles are programmed to engage in banter with passersby. This unique feature has likely contributed to the air of intrigue surrounding the statue, as it adds an element of unexpected interactivity to the traditional role of gargoyles in architecture.
Adding to the intrigue of DIA is the existence of underground tunnels, which have sparked a multitude of theories, including the presence of lizard people, aliens, and secret societies. The tunnels have also been the subject of pranks by airport employees, who have worn lizard masks to fuel the rumours circulating online. While the actual purpose of the tunnels is to facilitate luggage transport, their underground nature and the airport's isolated location have fuelled speculation about their potential connection to military activities.
The conspiracy theories surrounding DIA extend beyond the tunnels and artwork. The airport's high construction costs, delays, and vast acreage have led some to believe that it serves as a cover for a secret military base or annex. The extra buildings and hangars, which are unmarked, further fuel speculation about hidden government activities taking place beneath the airport. These theories have gained traction due to factors such as the presence of a Freemason symbol on a time capsule and the airport's proximity to the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, located over 90 miles away.
While the theories about gargoyles, tunnels, and military activities remain speculative, they showcase the creativity and intrigue that surrounds the Denver International Airport. The airport has become a hub not only for air traffic but also for conspiracy theories, attracting the attention of both locals and conspiracy theorists worldwide.
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Delays, budget and construction
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 25 miles (40 km) driving distance northeast of Downtown Denver. With over 40,000 employees, the airport is the largest employer in Colorado. In 2024, it was the third busiest airport in the United States and the sixth busiest in the world, serving around 77.8 million passengers.
DEN has been among the top 20 busiest airports in the world every year since 2000. In 2024, it set an all-time passenger record, with 82,358,744 passengers served, up 5.8% over the previous record set in 2023. The airport is a major hub for United Airlines and the largest operating base for both Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
In 2019, it was reported that the renovation of the Great Hall of the Jeppesen Terminal at DEN was delayed by three to four years. The city of Denver terminated its contract with Great Hall Partners amid accusations of sloppy construction, safety lapses, and disagreements over delays and cost overruns. The contractor was also accused of having serious safety issues at the site in violation of the airport's core values. The delays were also attributed to issues with the concrete in the original construction of the building in the '90s, which was found to be weaker than expected. The airport officials had to resolve issues related to the compressive strength of the concrete.
The renovation project was worth almost $2 billion, with funding coming from airport revenue. The project included a 34-year concession management agreement. The massive renovation of the main terminal, under the white tents, was expected to improve the security line setup, which was previously in an exposed position within view from an upper floor. The security lines were to be moved from the 5th floor to the 6th floor by the ticketing counters.
In 2024, during the construction phase, DEN advised travellers to expect minimal delays and to pay attention to the posted signage to navigate around the construction.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Denver Airport is not a military base. It is, however, the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area and the second-largest on Earth.
Denver Airport has been the centre of many conspiracy theories since its opening in 1995. The airport has addressed some of the theories in a marketing campaign, including that it was built by the New World Order and that it is home to aliens in underground tunnels. However, the theory that it is a military base has not been addressed, leading some to believe that this conspiracy is true.
Denver Airport has been rumoured to be a meeting place for the Illuminati, linked to Freemasons, and a place that gives clues about the apocalypse. There are also rumours of secret tunnels and bunkers, housing lizard people, and being a base for the rich and elite to use in the event of a disaster.
There are a few factors that conspiracy theorists point to as evidence for a military compound underneath Denver Airport. The airport went significantly over budget, and there were delays in its construction, leading people to believe that something more than an airport was being built. There are also unmarked buildings and hangars, and parts of the tunnels underneath the airport are blocked off.
