Key Takeaways
• Denver International Airport launched AirsideDrive on May 15, 2025, providing $9 million excess auto liability coverage.
• AirsideDrive offers up to 84% savings and monthly payments for airside uninsured driving insurance.
• Public comments on Part 230 rules accepted until May 27, 2025, via [email protected].
Denver International Airport Launches AirsideDrive: Making Airside Insurance Affordable and Accessible
Denver International Airport (DEN) has introduced a new program that is changing how small businesses and contractors access airside insurance. On May 15, 2025, DEN officially launched the Airside Excess Auto Liability Program, known as “AirsideDrive.” This program is designed to make it much easier and more affordable for companies to meet the strict insurance requirements needed to operate vehicles unescorted on the airport’s airfield. The move is expected to have a big impact on small businesses, airport partners, and the broader aviation industry.
Who Benefits and Why Now?
The AirsideDrive program is open to current and potential airport tenants, contractors, service providers, and suppliers who need to drive unescorted on DEN’s airfield. Before this program, many small businesses struggled to afford the $10 million auto liability insurance required by the airport. This high cost often kept them from bidding on airport contracts or expanding their services. By offering a new, affordable way to get the needed coverage, DEN is opening doors for more businesses to participate in airport operations.
How Does AirsideDrive Work?
The AirsideDrive program provides up to $9 million in excess auto liability coverage on top of a company’s existing $1 million policy. This brings the total coverage up to the $10 million required by DEN for unescorted airside driving. The program was developed in partnership with TrueNorth Companies, a well-known insurance provider, and is now active and accepting applications.
Key features of the AirsideDrive program include:
- Affordable Coverage: Participants can save up to 84% compared to traditional excess liability insurance. This makes it possible for smaller companies to afford the coverage they need.
- Flexible Payments: The program offers monthly coverage and payment options, making it easier for businesses to manage their budgets.
- Simple Enrollment: The application process is paperless and requires only a few questions to get started.
- Automatic Payment: An online autopay system helps businesses keep their coverage active without extra hassle.
- Tailored Protection: The coverage is designed specifically to meet DEN’s auto liability requirements for airside operations.
- Support for Small Businesses: By lowering the cost barrier, the program gives small businesses a real chance to compete for airside contracts.
Why Is This Program Important?
According to DEN CEO Phil Washington, AirsideDrive is the first program of its kind in the aviation industry. In his words, “While $10 million auto liability for airside driving is a prudent limit for DEN to require of all our partners that need to drive on DEN’s airfield, we recognize it also created a barrier for small business to pursue many airport opportunities. This first of its kind program is aimed at helping solve that problem and is a testament of our Risk Management team’s dedication to innovation and making a real difference for our airport partners.”
Before AirsideDrive, most companies only carried $1 million in auto liability coverage. The jump to $10 million was simply too expensive for many, especially small businesses. This meant that only larger companies with deep pockets could afford to operate vehicles unescorted on the airfield. Now, with AirsideDrive, DEN is leveling the playing field and encouraging more competition and diversity among its partners.
Regulatory Changes and How They Affect Businesses
To make AirsideDrive possible, DEN updated its official rules and regulations. The program is now part of Part 230 of the airport’s Rules and Regulations, specifically section 230.11-.4, called “Airside Unescorted Excess Auto Liability Program.” This section clearly states that the program offers $9 million in excess coverage over a $1 million base liability policy. The goal is to provide a cost-effective solution for businesses while keeping the program cost-neutral for the airport.
Here’s a breakdown of the main regulatory points:
- Unescorted Airside Driving: Any commercial operator driving on the airfield without an escort must have $10 million in auto liability coverage. AirsideDrive makes this possible for more businesses.
- Escorted/Escorting Airside Driving: If a company is providing an escort (the lead vehicle), it must also have the $10 million coverage.
- Tunnel Driving: Vehicles that only use the airport’s tunnel system do not need the higher $10 million limit but must meet other minimum insurance requirements.
These rules are designed to keep the airfield safe while also making it easier for businesses to comply.
How to Apply for AirsideDrive
Businesses interested in joining the AirsideDrive program can find all the details, including eligibility requirements and the application process, on DEN’s official website. The enrollment process is simple, paperless, and designed to save time. To get started, visit the AirsideDrive program page on the Denver International Airport website.
The program is open to:
- Airport tenants
- Contractors
- Service providers
- Suppliers
If your business needs to drive unescorted on the airfield at Denver International Airport, AirsideDrive could be the solution you need.
Public Input and Next Steps
DEN is currently accepting public comments on the changes to Part 230 of its Rules and Regulations. Anyone interested can submit feedback by email to [email protected] until 5 p.m. on May 27, 2025. This open comment period gives stakeholders a chance to share their thoughts and help shape the future of airside operations at DEN.
Industry Impact: Setting a New Standard
The launch of AirsideDrive is being watched closely by other airports and industry experts. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this program could set a new standard for how airports handle insurance requirements for airside operations. By making it easier and more affordable for small businesses to participate, DEN is not only supporting local economic growth but also encouraging innovation across the aviation sector.
Other airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world may look to DEN’s example as they consider ways to balance safety, affordability, and inclusivity in their own operations.
Economic Impact: Boosting Colorado’s Economy
Denver International Airport is more than just a transportation hub. It is a major economic engine for Colorado 🇺🇸, generating over $47.2 billion for the region each year. By removing barriers for small businesses, AirsideDrive supports the state’s broader economic development goals. More businesses can now compete for airport contracts, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
This initiative comes at a time of growth and expansion for DEN. Recent milestones include United Airlines’ new nonstop service to Rome, Italy, and Lufthansa German Airlines’ first Airbus A380 flight at the airport. These developments highlight DEN’s role as a key player in international travel and commerce.
What Does This Mean for Stakeholders?
The AirsideDrive program has important implications for several groups:
- Small Businesses: The biggest winners are small businesses that previously could not afford the high cost of excess auto liability insurance. Now, they have a real chance to compete for airside contracts and grow their operations.
- Airport Partners: Existing tenants and service providers can save money on insurance and reinvest those savings into their businesses.
- Contractors and Suppliers: Companies that provide goods and services to DEN can now meet insurance requirements more easily, making it possible to bid on more projects.
- The Airport: By encouraging more competition and diversity among its partners, DEN can improve service quality and support local economic growth.
- The Aviation Industry: Other airports may follow DEN’s lead, adopting similar programs to support small businesses and promote innovation.
How Does AirsideDrive Compare to Traditional Insurance?
Traditional excess auto liability insurance is often expensive and difficult to obtain, especially for small businesses. Most companies only carry $1 million in coverage, which is standard in many industries. To meet DEN’s $10 million requirement, businesses would have to purchase an additional $9 million in coverage, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars per year.
AirsideDrive changes this by offering:
- Up to 84% savings compared to traditional excess liability insurance
- Monthly payment options instead of large upfront costs
- A simple, paperless application process
- Coverage tailored specifically for DEN’s requirements
This makes it much easier for businesses of all sizes to comply with airport rules and focus on their core operations.
Safety and Compliance: Why High Coverage Is Needed
Airside operations involve unique risks. Vehicles operating on the airfield must share space with airplanes, ground crews, and sensitive equipment. Accidents can have serious consequences, including injury, property damage, and disruption of airport operations. That’s why DEN requires a high level of auto liability coverage for anyone driving unescorted on the airfield.
The AirsideDrive program ensures that all operators have the protection they need, without making it impossible for smaller companies to participate. This approach balances safety with economic opportunity.
How Does This Affect Immigration and International Business?
Denver International Airport is a gateway for international travelers, businesses, and workers. By making it easier for a wider range of companies to operate on the airfield, AirsideDrive supports the airport’s role as a hub for global commerce. International companies looking to do business at DEN will find the insurance requirements more manageable, which could encourage more foreign investment and job creation in Colorado 🇺🇸.
For immigrants and international entrepreneurs, the program lowers one of the key barriers to entering the airport services market. This can help create a more diverse and inclusive business environment at DEN.
Official Resources and Further Information
For businesses interested in applying or learning more about the AirsideDrive program, DEN has created a dedicated AirsideDrive program page with all the details. This page includes eligibility requirements, application instructions, and contact information for further questions.
For those seeking more information about airport regulations and insurance requirements, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website provides authoritative resources on airport operations and safety standards in the United States 🇺🇸.
Conclusion: A New Era for Airside Operations at DEN
The launch of the AirsideDrive program at Denver International Airport marks a major step forward in making airside operations more accessible and affordable for small businesses. By reducing insurance costs and simplifying the application process, DEN is supporting local economic growth, encouraging competition, and setting a new standard for the aviation industry.
As the program moves forward, stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback and take advantage of this new opportunity. With AirsideDrive, DEN is showing how airports can balance safety, affordability, and inclusivity—benefiting businesses, travelers, and the entire Colorado 🇺🇸 community.
Actionable Next Steps for Interested Businesses:
- Review eligibility requirements on the AirsideDrive program page.
- Submit an application using the simple, paperless process.
- Contact DEN’s Risk Management team with any questions or for help with the application.
- Provide feedback on the new regulations by emailing [email protected] before the public comment period ends.
- Stay informed about future updates and opportunities at Denver International Airport.
By taking these steps, businesses can position themselves to take full advantage of the new Airside Excess Auto Liability Program and become active partners in DEN’s ongoing growth and success.
Learn Today
Airside → The restricted area around airport runways and taxiways where aircraft and authorized vehicles operate.
Excess Auto Liability Insurance → Additional insurance coverage above a primary policy’s limit to meet higher liability requirements.
Unescorted Airside Driving → Operating a vehicle in the airside area without an escort vehicle accompanying it.
Part 230 Rules → Denver International Airport’s specific regulations governing airside vehicle operations and insurance standards.
TrueNorth Companies → The insurance provider partnering with DEN to offer the AirsideDrive program.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denver International Airport’s AirsideDrive program makes $10 million auto liability insurance affordable for small businesses operating unescorted on its airfield, boosting competition and safety. Launched May 15, 2025, it offers flexible payments, easy enrollment, and significant savings, setting a new industry standard and supporting Colorado’s economy.
— By VisaVerge.com
