(DENVER) Denver International Airport has moved into the top hub position for domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸 as of August 29, 2025, a milestone driven by record passenger traffic, aggressive route growth, and long-term expansion at one of the largest airfields in North America. Airport officials say DEN now offers nonstop service to 189 domestic destinations, the most of any U.S. airport, and serves as the largest operating hub for United Airlines while remaining a primary base for Southwest and Frontier.
DEN’s scale-up is visible in the numbers. In 2024, the airport handled a record 82,358,744 passengers, up 5.8% year over year, making it the third busiest airport in North America and sixth worldwide. With 27 airlines operating at the airport and fresh routes announced into 2025, the momentum has shifted toward Denver as airlines chase network depth and operational reliability in the center of the country.
The airport reports that it is Colorado’s largest employer, with more than 40,000 employees, and produces $47.2 billion in annual economic impact for the state.
Strategy, Leadership, and Local Impact
Airport leadership links the rise to a simple strategy: grow capacity ahead of demand and keep adding places people want to go. Phil Washington, the airport’s CEO, has pressed forward on “Vision 100” to prepare for 100 million annual passengers while strengthening both domestic and international connectivity.
City leaders, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, say the surge in routes supports jobs, tourism, and business recruitment, further embedding airline growth into the region’s broader economic plan. Economic experts add that the airport’s size and growth are now a major engine for Colorado’s economy:
- Airlines add jobs and invest in local facilities.
- Hotels and restaurants hire more staff.
- Small businesses benefit from rising visitor traffic.
- Denver’s profile rises among corporate decision-makers who view air service as a key factor for expansion and meetings.
Airline Moves and Route Growth
United Airlines tipped the balance in 2024 when it made Denver its largest hub, passing Chicago O’Hare. That shift continued into 2025 as United launched new domestic routes from DEN to Peoria, Buffalo, Redding, and Wilmington, with further growth planned to North Bend and Pensacola.
- Southwest and Frontier also scaled up schedules from Denver, citing strong demand and reliable operations.
- Aviation analysts point to Denver’s central location and vast land reserves as key reasons the airport can keep growing without the bottlenecks that limit older hubs.
Domestic Footprint and Traveler Benefits
Serving 189 nonstop U.S. destinations across 46 states and one U.S. territory, Denver International Airport now anchors more point-to-point flying than any other airport in the country. For travelers, that means:
- More same-day options and better chances of finding direct service.
- Increased competition on fares across many city pairs.
- Fewer forced connections and improved rebooking chances during disruptions.
- Concentrated airline maintenance and staffing that can shorten recovery times after weather events.
Infrastructure and Long‑Range Plans
Airport planners are building for the next wave under “Operation 2045.” Key elements include:
- Opening four new concourses and 100 additional gates by 2045 to support more than 125 million passengers per year.
- The ongoing Great Hall Program, continuing through mid-2027, to improve security checkpoints and passenger flow.
These projects aim to create a smoother experience during peak times and give airlines the gate room needed to schedule new flights.
Land development and access improvements
In August 2025, the airport accelerated plans to develop land on and around the airfield, seeking private sector partners to support both aviation and non-aviation projects. The goal is to meet long-term demand while spreading costs and keeping timelines on track.
A separate effort to redesign Peña Boulevard, the main access road to the terminal, entered the design and environmental review stage in April 2025 to prepare for heavier traffic.
Passenger Experience During Construction
Travelers already see changes inside the terminal. With construction underway:
- Some airline check-in counters have temporarily moved.
- Security lines and walking routes can shift based on work zones.
- Concession upgrades and new amenities are rolling out to spread crowds and shorten wait times.
The airport encourages passengers to check updates before heading to DEN. The official website provides travel alerts, construction notices, and a monthly newsletter called “Nonstop News” that lists route changes and project milestones. For real-time and planning information, visit the official Denver International Airport website.
Important: check terminal and counter locations before departure — construction can change where services are located.
Employment, Amenities, and Accessibility
Airport data shows the scale of employment and spending tied to aviation at DEN:
- More than 40,000 people work across operations, airlines, concessions, ground services, maintenance, and security.
- Concession upgrades, improved wayfinding, and additional seating near gates are being added to improve the traveler experience.
- Planned accessibility improvements aim to support passengers with disabilities and create calmer experiences for families and older travelers.
Operational Advantages
Analysts note Denver’s unusual advantage: space. The airport’s 53-square-mile footprint is the largest in North America, allowing new concourses, taxiways, and support buildings to come online without the same community pushback or land limits seen at other major airports.
That space has helped keep operations steady during peak storms and holiday surges — a factor airlines weigh when deciding where to base crews and aircraft. United, Southwest, and Frontier have used Denver as a testing ground for schedule patterns that connect smaller and mid-sized cities to the Mountain West and beyond.
Key Projects, Deadlines, and Warnings
- Operation 2045: 4 new concourses and 100 additional gates by 2045 to handle 125M+ annual passengers.
- Great Hall Program: continues through mid-2027.
- Peña Boulevard redesign: design and environmental review stage as of April 2025.
- Land development: accelerated in August 2025 with public-private partnership outreach.
Warning: Construction can increase walking distances and queue times. Allow extra time for parking, check-in, and screening.
Travel Tips and Requirements for 2025
- REAL ID: Starting May 7, 2025, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted ID for domestic flights. For details, see the official TSA REAL ID guidance.
- Check-in moves: Verify your airline’s current counter location on the airport website before leaving home.
- Security options: DEN Reserve offers reservation-based security screening from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on departing flights — useful during peak hours.
- Plan extra time: Construction can change walking routes and wait times; allow more time for parking, check-in, and screening.
Staff and signs are in place to guide passengers to temporary locations for check-in and baggage drop, and airlines send alerts when counters move.
Analysis and Outlook
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the REAL ID timeline and capacity projects at Denver should help maintain the airport’s lead among domestic hubs through the next phase of growth. As airlines commit additional aircraft to the market and tap into new city pairs, Denver’s combination of capacity, location, and abundant buildable land positions it at the center of the U.S. domestic air network.
As of late summer 2025, Denver’s domestic leadership is unmatched, backed by data on destinations, passenger counts, and airline commitments. Airport leaders are betting that steady investment now will pay off when the next wave of travel demand hits.
Quick Reference: Contacts and Resources
- Official website: Denver International Airport
- Phone: (303) 342-2000
- Monthly updates: Nonstop News newsletter (available via the airport website)
- Passenger Facility Charge notices and travel advisories: posted on the airport website
Domestic Reach and Airline Strategy (Summary)
- United designated DEN as its largest hub in 2024 and added domestic routes in 2025 (Peoria, Buffalo, Redding, Wilmington; expansions to North Bend and Pensacola).
- Southwest and Frontier continue to grow from Denver, increasing frequencies and opening new markets.
- DEN serves 189 nonstop domestic destinations, the highest in the nation, providing broader scheduling choices and more direct options for passengers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denver International Airport established itself as the top U.S. domestic hub by August 29, 2025, providing nonstop service to 189 domestic destinations. Record traffic in 2024 (82.36 million passengers, +5.8% year over year) and commitments from major carriers—United designating DEN its largest hub and expanded schedules from Southwest and Frontier—drove the shift. DEN employs over 40,000 people and generates roughly $47.2 billion annually for Colorado. Long-term plans such as Operation 2045 envision four new concourses and 100 additional gates to serve 125M+ passengers, while near-term projects include the Great Hall Program and Peña Boulevard redesign. Travelers gain more direct routes and resilience during disruptions, though construction can alter check-in locations and walking routes. REAL ID compliance and advance planning remain essential for 2025 travel. DEN’s 53-square-mile footprint and strategic central location underpin its expansion and operational advantages, positioning the airport as a durable national domestic hub.
