Denver is Simple Flying’s Airport Of The Month for January 2023. To celebrate this, we’ve produced guides on getting to, from, and around the airport and accessing its lounges, alongside analysis of its top routes and major developments. But there are things about Denver International that are less well known… here are our top 10.
10 Denver is a very big airport
Denver International Airport is the biggest in the USA by landmass and the second largest in the world. In all, the airport covers 52.4 square miles, although not all of that land is developed. That gives it plenty of room to expand in the future.
The reason it’s so big is that it’s conveniently located in the middle of the US, making it an excellent place for airlines to base their operations. Back in the 1960s, Denver’s airport was at Stapleton International, but as airlines grew, it became cramped and could not expand. In the ‘80s, the search for a new location began - key to this process was finding a place away from residential developments which would allow for maximum future expansion.
Despite schedule overruns and coming in $2 billion over budget, DEN opened at its new location on February 28th, 1995. Since then, the airport has continued to expand, develop and add facilities.
9 Denver is an art gallery
No other airport in the world has quite as much art on its walls as Denver International. Look out for paintings, murals, art installations hanging from the ceiling, and even art on the floors. And, of course, there are the infamous gargoyles and the giant blue mustang (Blucifer) outside the airport buildings.
As well as the permanent exhibits, Denver hosts a variety of displays that rotate over the years. For example, in early 2023, the airport is hosting an Ed Dwight sculpture on Level 6, an exhibit of landscapes by Meghan Wilbar at the AOB Lobby, and a photography display from Jeremy Janus at the Y-Junction gallery.
8 You can go outside at Denver
Unlike most airports where you’re stuck inside the stuffy terminal building until your flight, Denver has opened not one but three outdoor patios for travelers to enjoy. These are at the western ends of Concourses A and B, as well as at the eastern end of Concourse C.
You don’t have to be flying from that concourse to enjoy the patio - all travelers are welcome. Some of them have pet relief areas and even fire pits for those chilly Colorado evenings.
7 In the summer, there’s mini golf
Just before security at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal, a pop-up park appears for the summer month. Known as ‘Park on the Plaza,’ this facility hosts lawn games, fitness classes, and lounge seating. And, of course, there’s mini golf!
Filled with native Colorado potted plants, it’s the perfect place to relax before a flight. During the winter, there is sometimes ice skating in the space, and occasionally live musicians arrive to entertain.
6 There’s a squad of 80 dogs that are CATS
Confused? Don’t be. CATS stands for the Canine Airport Therapy Squad and is made up of more than 80 dogs across 40 different breeds. Dedicated volunteer pet handlers share their time and their family pet with passengers passing through the airport, helping them to stay relaxed and enjoy their visit to DEN.
5 The iconic tented roof is inspired by the Rockies
The roof of the airport is one of the most instantly recognizable aspects of Denver Airport. It spans the length of around three football fields and covers an area of 375,000 square feet. Designed by Fentress, the sculpted canopy is inspired by the snow-capped mountains of the nearby Rockies and has been applauded for breaking the mold when it comes to airport design.
As well as looking fantastic, the roof allows lots of natural daylight to flood the areas below. This dramatically reduces the need for electric lighting and has helped Denver become a more environmentally friendly airport.
4 There are a bunch of conspiracy theories relating to DEN
From being the home of the lizard people to a secret underground base for dark government operations, there are a bunch of rather alarming conspiracy theories that have emerged in relation to DEN. We debunked a bunch of them here.
Rather than getting spooked about its odd reputation, Denver Airport has embraced these rumors, placing fun signs and thought-provoking murals to nod to these strange and bizarre accusations.
3 There’s a time capsule at the airport
Adding to the conspiracy theories is the placement of a time capsule at the airport, which is supposed to be opened in 2094. The slab covering it has markings of the freemasons on it, and plenty are curious to know what might be inside.
Nobody knows exactly what’s inside the capsule, although, naturally, there is much speculation. In reality, when it gets opened up in 70 years time, it’s likely to be filled with nothing more than some items of historical significance.
2 14 aircraft mysteriously suffered cracked windshields at DEN
On February 16th, 2007, 14 different airplanes suffered cracked windshields at the airport. The damage occurred all within a three-and-a-half-hour time period, and affected planes that were parked, some that were taxiing, and one that had just taken off.
The NTSB concluded that it was foreign object damage that had caused the damage, but pilots said they saw nothing that could have been that detrimental to the airplanes. It remains one of those Denver mysteries that only continues to feed conspiracy theories.
1 Denver has grown the most in the world since the pandemic
OAG data shows that, in January 2023, Denver will have 21.8% more seats flying than it did in January 2019, before the pandemic. This makes it the airport with the highest growth in the whole world, with Las Vegas close behind at 20.2%.
With more expansion to come, Denver is looking forward to continuing that growth momentum and building its position as a prominent, if slightly mysterious, hub in the USA.