Lois Larson
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 80 million passengers in 2024 and generating over $47 billion for the region of Colorado annually. The airport is located 23-25 miles from Downtown Denver and occupies 33,531 acres of land, making it the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area. In 1989, the land was transferred from Adams County to Denver, increasing the city's size by 50%. Today, the airport still has more than 16,000 acres of non-aviation land available for commercial development, with plans to transform the surrounding areas into an airport city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land area | 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2) |
| Ownership | Denver International Airport owns the land |
| Available land for development | 16,000+ acres (6,475 hectares) of non-aviation land |
| Annexation | 54 square miles (140 km2) of land annexed from Adams County |
| Development plans | Seven districts with mixed-use developments and transit-oriented designs |
| Purpose | To create an "airport city" and position DIA as a key hub for commerce |
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What You'll Learn
Denver International Airport's land ownership
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2). It is located 23-25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver and is closer to the City of Aurora, where many airport-related services are based.
The land on which the airport sits was transferred from Adams County to Denver after a vote in 1989, increasing the city's size by 50%. This annexation was met with some skepticism due to its distance from the city centre, but the federal government recognised the importance of a Denver air hub for the national transportation system and contributed $500 million towards the new airport.
Denver International Airport owns more land than any other airport in the world, except for King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. There are currently 16,000+ acres of non-aviation land available for commercial development, with plans to transform the surrounding areas into an "airport city", positioning the airport as a key hub for commerce in the region.
The airport's strategic development plan includes seven districts with a mix of transit-oriented and mixed-use developments, accommodating a range of businesses and services. The intergovernmental agreement with Adams County allows for the development of 1,500 acres for long-term ground lease, with the potential for further development if the agreement is amended.
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The airport's expansion plans
Denver International Airport, also known as DIA or DEN, is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2021 and 2022, it was the third busiest airport in the world and the third busiest in the United States by passenger traffic. In 2023, it was the sixth busiest airport in the world and retained its position as the third busiest in the US, serving around 77.8 million passengers.
The airport has recently undergone a $2 billion Great Hall renovation, which was completed ahead of schedule in 2027. This project was crucial to keep pace with surging demand, as passenger traffic was expected to increase from 82.3 million to 100 million by 2027.
DEN is currently planning for major expansions by 2045 to accommodate the growing number of passengers. The airport is expecting to serve 120 million passengers per year by then. The expansion plans include four new concourses and 100 more gates. Upgrades to existing concourses, such as new carpets and bathrooms, are also in the works. Additionally, a new consolidated rental car facility and additional cars to the train that runs through the airport are part of the expansion plans.
The expansion will be carried out in phases, starting with the north end of the terminal. DEN has the land area available to expand its airfield from six to twelve runways at full buildout, allowing it to serve more than 100 million passengers annually. Even after the expansion, there will be an additional 16,000+ acres of non-aviation land available for compatible commercial development.
The airport is also addressing traffic congestion along Peña Boulevard, the two-lane road leading to and from the airport. A study is underway to explore options for highway expansion and improve traffic flow in the area.
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Real estate development activities
Denver International Airport (DEN), located 23 to 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, is one of the busiest airports in the world. With 33,531 acres of land area, it is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere and the second-largest globally. DEN is not just an aviation hub; it also serves as the primary economic engine for Colorado, generating over $47 billion for the region annually.
The airport's vast expanse includes significant non-aviation areas, with more than 16,000 acres available for future development. This undeveloped land presents a unique opportunity to create an "airport city," enhancing DEN's role as a pivotal commerce hub. The airport's strategic development plan encompasses seven districts, each designed for mixed-use:
- 40th and Airport Commuter Rail Station
- 61st and Peña Station
- Second Creek Campus
- 72nd and Himalaya
- West Approach
- East Approach
- Aeroindustrial District
These districts will cater to a diverse range of businesses, including retail, hospitality, restaurants, entertainment, professional services, technology, agribusiness, research and development, light industrial, and advanced manufacturing. The development of these areas will be overseen by real estate professionals like Ken, who manages real estate development activities and has extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry, and Elise, a landscape architect specializing in urban planning and community development within the DEN real estate portfolio.
The transformation of this undeveloped land into a thriving "airport city" is a carefully planned and collaborative effort between airport representatives and municipalities. By strategically leveraging its land resources, DEN is poised not just to expand its aviation capabilities but also to revolutionize the regional economy and reinforce its status as a pivotal gateway to the world.
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The airport's economic impact
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving metropolitan Denver, Colorado, and the greater Front Range Urban Corridor. It is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2). The airport is located 23-25 miles from Downtown Denver, with the airport's services, such as hotels, situated in the City of Aurora.
DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating over $47.2 billion for the region annually, according to the 2025 Colorado Economic Impact Study. This figure is a 40.9% increase from the state's prior study released in 2020. The study also showed that DEN supported 244,172 jobs and $15.9 billion in total payroll. The airport's CEO, Phil Washington, has stated that DEN's exponential passenger growth and emergence as a central hub in the global aviation market have contributed to its multi-billion-dollar impact on the economy of the Denver metro area, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain region.
Looking ahead, DEN has plans to expand its airfield from six to twelve runways, with the ability to serve more than 100 million passengers annually. This expansion will unlock additional commercial development opportunities on the 16,000+ acres of non-aviation land available. In 2022, DEN commissioned a study to assess the economic impact of its Vision 100 strategic plan. The study projected that by 2032, or sooner, when the projects are expected to be completed and passenger levels exceed 100 million, DEN's economic impact would nearly double to $71.28 billion, supporting 447,386 jobs.
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The airport's distance from Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 23 to 25 miles (37 to 40 kilometres) northeast of Downtown Denver. The airport is actually closer to the City of Aurora than central Denver, and many airport-related services, such as hotels, are located in Aurora. The distance from the airport to Denver is 15 miles (24 kilometres) farther than the former Stapleton International Airport, which DEN replaced.
The airport is one of the busiest in the world, serving around 77.8 million passengers in 2023 and setting an all-time record in 2024 with 82,358,744 passengers. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually. Its central location in the United States and globally between Tokyo and Frankfurt provides a strategic advantage for domestic and international partnerships and attracting investors.
The large land area of DEN, covering 33,531 acres (52.4 sq mi; 135.7 km2), allows for future expansion of its airfield from six to twelve runways, ultimately serving over 100 million passengers annually. Even after expansion, there will be an additional 16,000+ acres (6,475 hectares) of non-aviation land available for commercial development.
The distance from the airport to Downtown Denver can be travelled by car, train, or bus. Driving can take around 45 minutes to an hour, while the A-line train can take 37 minutes, and the RTD Denver Bus, also known as the Sky Ride Bus, is another option for a cheaper trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The land around Denver Airport was transferred from Adams County to Denver after a vote in 1989.
Denver Airport occupies 52.4 square miles (136 km2; 33,500 acres) of land, making it the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area. The airport still has control of over 16,000 acres of non-aviation land available for commercial development.
The airport's strategic development plan has seven districts, which will feature mixed-use developments and transit-oriented designs. The aim is to create an "airport city", with a focus on commerce in the region.
From 1980 to 1983, the Denver Regional Council of Governments investigated areas for a new airport. In 1983, Federico Peña was elected mayor of Denver, campaigning to expand Stapleton Airport onto Rocky Mountain Arsenal lands. A deal was struck with Adams County, and in 1988, voters approved the annexation of 54 square miles of land for the new airport.
