Denver International Airport
Large HubDenver, CO · DEN
Recent News
Updated Mar 29, 2026Denver International Airport experienced a widespread power outage starting around 9:20 a.m. on March 18, 2026, affecting train service to gates, bathrooms, and other critical systems. Power was restored at 11:04 a.m., and a FAA ground stop was lifted around noon. Xcel Energy attributed the outage to equipment shutdown during work on a new transformer at a substation serving the airport.
Following the March 18 power outage, Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington announced the airport continues to explore alternative energy solutions via a request for information from the private sector. The airport previously studied building a small modular nuclear reactor, but plans were watered down to explore a broader range of clean energy solutions to ensure greater redundancy.
Denver International Airport added nine new direct destinations in 2026, including Queretaro, Mexico via Volaris starting June 3, Abilene, Texas via United on March 17, and Bangor, Maine via United on June 27. Additional routes include service to California, Florida, Tennessee, and other cities. DEN now offers 34 international destinations across 20 countries.
Denver International Airport opened 27 new concessions in 2026, including one of the only Taco Bell Cantinas in Colorado and a third Chick-fil-A location. In early 2026, Mile High Spirits, Denver Street Eats, and Einstein Bros Bagels opened in Concourse B, with Björn's Colorado Honey Café grand opening on February 3.
Airport Profile
Key Financial Data (FY 2024)
Enplaned Passengers (FAA CATS)
Cost per Enplanement (CPE)
Revenue
Expense
Ratemaking Overview
Weighted average effective rate per square foot calculated as sum of average terminal rental rate, tenant finish rate, cost of joint use facilities, baggage sortation charges, and automated baggage system charges
Settlement & True-Up
Mid-year adjustment
Landing fees, terminal rents, and ramp fees subject to mid-year adjustment; charges allocated based on actual usage data
Extraordinary Coverage Protection (ECP)
Airlines may lease exclusive space; joint use facilities available for tug space and common use facilities; concourse ramp areas for parking and pushback
Landing Fee Methodology
Not available
Terminal Rental Rate
Net Terminal Complex requirement divided by total rentable square footage in Terminal Complex
Common Use & Gate Allocation
Additional Bonds Test
To issue Additional Senior Bonds, other than for any refunding of Senior Bonds, the City is required to obtain, among other things, a report of an Airport Consultant estimating the ability of the Airport System to meet the requirements of the Senior Rate Maintenance Covenant in each year of the forecast period, and a certificate of an Independent Accountant setting forth for the last audited Fiscal Year, or for any period of 12 consecutive calendar months out of the 18 calendar months next preceding the delivery of such series of Additional Senior Bonds, as determined by the Independent Accountant, (1) Net Revenues, together with any Other Available Funds, for such period and (2) the aggregate Debt Service Requirements for the Outstanding Senior Bonds, for such period; and demonstrating that for such period Net Revenues, together with any Other Available Funds, at least equaled the larger of either (A) the amount needed to make the required deposits to the credit of the several subaccounts in the Bond Fund for the Senior Bonds and to the credit of the Bond Reserve Fund for the Senior Bonds and the Operation and Maintenance Reserve Account or (B) an amount not less than 125% of the aggregate Debt Service Requirements for the Outstanding Senior Bonds for such period.
Rate Covenant
Gross Revenues, together with Other Available Funds (consisting of transfers from the Capital Fund to the Revenue Fund), will be at least sufficient to provide for the payment of Operation and Maintenance Expenses and for the greater of either: (1) the amounts needed for making the required cash deposits to the credit of several subaccounts of the Bond Fund (except the Redemption Account) and to the credit of the Bond Reserve Fund with respect to the Senior Bonds, and to the credit of several accounts and subaccounts of the Subordinate Bond Fund and the Operation and Maintenance Reserve Account, or (2) an amount equal to not less than 125% of the aggregate Debt Service Requirements on the Senior Bonds for the Fiscal Year.
Flow of Funds
Gross Revenues deposited into Revenue Fund. Priority waterfall: (1) Operation and Maintenance Expenses; (2) Debt Service on Senior Bonds (Interest Account, Principal Account, Sinking Fund Account, Redemption Account); (3) Bond Reserve Fund (Minimum Bond Reserve); (4) Subordinate Bonds Debt Service; (5) Subordinate Bonds Reserve; (6) Junior Lien Obligations; (7) Capital Fund (Coverage Account, Equipment and Capital Outlay Account, Airline Revenue Credit Account, Capital Improvement Account); (8) Discretionary uses.
Source Documents
Official Statements
Financial Statements
Source: FAA CATS Form 5100-127, DOT T-100 Market Data, Airport Official Statements · Hub classification: FAA CY 2024 Enplanement Data · Prepared by DWU Consulting