(DENVER) The Denver Board of Ethics is investigating whether Denver International Airport executives broke city rules by buying expensive business and first-class tickets—some costing up to $19,000 each—for a work trip to Madrid in April 2025. This probe began after a CBS News Colorado report in May 2025 revealed the high spending, raising questions about how public money is used and whether airport leaders followed ethical guidelines.
What Sparked the Investigation?
The investigation focuses on nine DIA executives who traveled to Madrid for work. The total cost for airfare, hotels, ground transportation, and meals reached about $165,000, all paid from airport revenues. These revenues come from passenger fees, concessions, parking, and rental car charges—not direct taxpayer dollars, but still public funds. The Denver Board of Ethics, led by Executive Director Lori Weiser, is checking if this spending broke the city’s ethics code, which says public money should not be used for private gain.
The Board of Ethics has not shared details about the investigation, citing confidentiality rules. According to the Denver Code of Ethics, complaints are kept private until they pass an initial review and, if needed, a formal investigation. As of August 5, 2025, the investigation is ongoing, and no timeline for a decision has been given.
How Much Did the Tickets Cost?
Ticket prices for the Madrid trip ranged from $9,000 to $19,000 per executive, with most flights booked on United Airlines. Travel industry experts, like consultant Rob Laney, say these prices are unusually high for tickets bought in advance for April, which is not a peak travel season. Laney explained that similar business-class tickets could have been found for $4,000–$5,000 per person with better planning. One reason for the high prices was the lack of a Saturday night stay, which often makes tickets more expensive because airlines charge business travelers more for weekday-only trips.
Reactions from DIA Leadership and Staff
DIA CEO Phil Washington has defended the spending, calling it an “investment in our people.” He says the trip followed the airport’s existing travel policy, which allowed business and first-class travel for executives. However, Washington has not commented directly on the ethics investigation. The controversy has caused tension inside DIA, with some employees saying the spending is unfair and has created a “rift” between executives and frontline staff. Many workers feel morale has dropped because of the way travel privileges are handled.
Policy Changes and Public Response
After the CBS News Colorado report and growing criticism, DIA finished updating its travel policy on August 1, 2025. The new policy is supposed to fix the problems highlighted by the Madrid trip, but as of August 5, 2025, details have not been released. CEO Washington’s office has declined to comment further on the changes. Before this update, the airport’s rules allowed executives to fly business or first class, which Washington says was within the rules at the time.
The spending has drawn strong reactions from the public, city officials, and travel experts. Many people have called for more transparency and better oversight of how public money is spent. Critics argue that the high flight prices show poor judgment and hurt trust in airport leadership. Some city officials and ethics experts say the case shows why clear, enforceable policies and open oversight are needed to keep public trust.
How Does the Board of Ethics Work?
The Denver Board of Ethics reviews complaints about city officials and employees. In 2024, the board received 78 cases and issued 13 advisory opinions, showing it has a busy role in city government.
| Year | Cases Received | Advisory Opinions Issued |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 78 | 13 |
The process starts with a confidential review of each complaint. If the board finds enough evidence, it opens a formal investigation. No information is shared with the public until the board decides to move forward. You can find more about the board’s work on the official Denver Board of Ethics website.
Why Do Flight Prices Matter?
The high flight prices have become a symbol of the larger issue: how public money is managed. Travel industry experts say the airport could have saved tens of thousands of dollars with better planning. For example, booking tickets earlier or including a Saturday night stay could have cut costs. The experts also point out that most businesses have strict rules to keep travel spending reasonable, and public agencies should do the same.
Impact on DIA Employees and the Public
For DIA employees, the Madrid trip has highlighted differences in how executives and regular staff are treated. Many workers feel frustrated, saying the spending shows a lack of fairness and respect for those who keep the airport running every day. The controversy has also made some employees worry about job security and future opportunities.
For Denver residents and airport users, the case is a reminder that even money collected through airport fees is still public money. People want to know their money is being spent wisely, especially when it comes to travel and perks for top officials. The investigation may lead other city agencies to review and tighten their own travel and expense policies.
What Happens Next?
The Board of Ethics investigation is still underway, and it’s not clear when a decision will be made. DIA’s new travel policy could set stricter rules for executive travel, but until the details are released, it’s hard to know what will change. The controversy is likely to have lasting effects on the airport’s culture, public trust, and possibly on city travel policies as a whole.
Key Points to Remember
- ✈️ DIA executives spent up to $19,000 each on business/first-class tickets for a Madrid trip in April 2025.
- 💰 The total trip cost was about $165,000, paid from airport revenues.
- 🔍 The Denver Board of Ethics is investigating possible misuse of public funds; the process is confidential and ongoing.
- 📝 DIA updated its travel policy on August 1, 2025, but details are not yet public.
- ⚠️ The spending has caused internal dissent, public criticism, and calls for greater transparency.
Looking Forward
As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like this show why strong oversight and clear rules are needed to protect public money and maintain trust. For those interested in following the story, updates can be found on the official Denver International Airport website and through ongoing reports from CBS News Colorado.
For Denver and other cities, this case is a reminder that how leaders spend money matters—not just for the bottom line, but for the trust and morale of everyone who works for and uses public services.
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