Denver International Airport has become one of the most important air travel hubs in North America, thanks to its ongoing expansion and the addition of many new direct flights. In 2025, the airport made headlines with several high-profile new routes, new airline partners, and a record number of destinations. This ranked list covers the best new direct flights from Denver International Airport, explaining what makes each route special, who benefits, and what travelers need to know about requirements, costs, and practical details. The ranking is based on a mix of factors: route significance, traveler demand, airline investment, and the impact on both local and international communities. Each entry is covered in detail, so readers can compare their options and decide which new route best fits their travel or immigration plans.
- United Airlines: Denver–Rome (Fiumicino)
The launch of United Airlines’ Denver–Rome route stands out as a milestone for Denver International Airport. This is the first time travelers can fly directly from Denver to Rome, Italy 🇮🇹, without stopping in another city. The service starts on May 1, 2025, and runs daily through September 24, 2025, using a Boeing Dreamliner. This seasonal route is a big step for both leisure and business travelers who want to reach Southern Europe more easily.
Requirements and Process:
Travelers need a valid passport and, for most U.S. citizens, a short-stay visa is not required for tourism or business visits under 90 days in Italy 🇮🇹. However, starting in 2025, U.S. travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization before departure. This is a simple online form that checks security and health information. For more details, visit the official ETIAS website.
Benefits:
– Saves time by skipping connections in other U.S. or European cities
– Opens up direct access to Italy 🇮🇹 for vacations, family visits, and business
– Supports Denver’s growing Italian community and business ties
Costs:
Ticket prices vary, but early bookings have shown strong demand, so fares may be higher during peak summer months. United Airlines offers several cabin classes, including premium economy and business.
Practical Tips:
Book early for the best fares and seat selection. Check visa and ETIAS requirements before travel. This route is especially helpful for those with family or business in Italy 🇮🇹, or for students planning to study abroad.
- Lufthansa: Munich–Denver with Airbus A380
Lufthansa’s new Munich–Denver route is another major highlight for 2025. Starting April 30, 2025, the airline will fly daily (seasonally) using the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane. This is the first time Denver International Airport will see regular A380 service, which means more seats and more premium options for travelers.
Requirements and Process:
U.S. citizens can visit Germany 🇩🇪 for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Like Italy 🇮🇹, Germany 🇩🇪 will require ETIAS authorization starting in 2025. Travelers should apply online before their trip.
Benefits:
– More seats, including extra business and first-class options
– Direct access to Munich, a key European hub for connecting flights across Europe and beyond
– The A380 offers a smoother, quieter ride and more space
Costs:
Lufthansa is known for quality service, but fares can be higher than budget airlines. Booking in advance or during sales can help save money.
Practical Tips:
If you want a premium experience or need to connect to other European cities, this route is a great choice. The A380’s size means less chance of sold-out flights, but summer demand can still push prices up.
- Contour Airlines: Denver–Moab and Denver–Vernal (Utah)
Contour Airlines brings back direct flights from Denver to Moab and Vernal, Utah, starting April 1 and April 2, 2025, respectively. These daily, year-round flights restore service that had been missing since January 2024. Moab is famous for its national parks, while Vernal is a gateway to dinosaur sites and outdoor adventures.
Requirements and Process:
No passport or visa is needed for U.S. domestic flights. Travelers only need a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
Benefits:
– Easy access to Utah’s top outdoor destinations for hiking, biking, and sightseeing
– Supports local economies and tourism in smaller cities
– Good for families, adventure travelers, and those visiting friends or relatives
Costs:
Contour Airlines is a regional carrier, so fares are usually reasonable. Prices can go up during peak travel seasons, especially around holidays and school breaks.
Practical Tips:
Book early for popular travel dates, especially if planning trips to national parks. These flights are also useful for people who want to avoid long drives from Denver.
- Viva Aerobus: Denver–Mexico City (Felipe Ángeles International Airport)
Viva Aerobus, a low-cost Mexican airline, launches a new Denver–Mexico City route on November 20, 2025. Flights run twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays) to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Mexico City’s newest international hub. This adds to existing service to Benito Juárez International, giving travelers more choices.
Requirements and Process:
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico 🇲🇽. A tourist card (Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM) is required, which is usually provided on the plane or at the airport. No visa is needed for stays under 180 days for tourism.
Benefits:
– More flight options and lower fares for trips to Mexico City 🇲🇽
– Access to a modern, less crowded airport
– Good for visiting family, business, or connecting to other Mexican destinations
Costs:
Viva Aerobus is known for low fares, but extra fees may apply for checked bags, seat selection, and food. Watch for sales and book early for the best deals.
Practical Tips:
Compare prices with other airlines serving Mexico City 🇲🇽. Check which airport is closer to your final destination in the city.
- United Airlines: Additional Domestic and International Routes
United Airlines continues to grow its Denver hub with several new routes in 2025. These include Bert Mooney Airport (Montana), Trois-Rivières (Canada 🇨🇦), Redding Regional (California), Wilmington International (North Carolina), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic 🇩🇴), and Mexico City (Benito Juárez International).
Requirements and Process:
– Domestic flights: Only a valid ID is needed.
– Canada 🇨🇦: U.S. citizens need a passport; no visa for short visits.
– Dominican Republic 🇩🇴: Passport required; tourist card fee may be included in airfare.
– Mexico City 🇲🇽: See above.
Benefits:
– More choices for both domestic and international travel
– Direct flights save time and reduce travel stress
– Supports business, tourism, and family visits
Costs:
United Airlines offers a range of fares, from basic economy to business class. International flights may have higher fees, especially during busy seasons.
Practical Tips:
Check entry requirements for each country before booking. For Canada 🇨🇦, some travelers may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which can be applied for online at the official Canadian government website.
- Frontier Airlines: New Domestic Routes
Frontier Airlines is adding several new domestic routes from Denver International Airport in October 2025. Destinations include New York (JFK), Corpus Christi (Texas), Tulsa (Oklahoma), and Richmond (Virginia). Flights run two to three times per week, with introductory fares starting at just $39–$59 one-way.
Requirements and Process:
Only a valid government-issued ID is needed for domestic flights.
Benefits:
– Very low fares for budget travelers
– More options for reaching the East Coast and South
– Good for students, families, and anyone looking to save money
Costs:
Frontier’s base fares are low, but extra charges apply for bags, seat selection, and snacks. Read the fine print before booking.
Practical Tips:
Book early to get the lowest fares. If you travel light, you can save even more. Compare total costs, including extras, with other airlines.
Recent Airline Changes and Market Context
In early 2025, Spirit Airlines left Denver International Airport, but the airport quickly filled the gap with new airlines and expanded service. The airport’s incentive program has helped attract new routes, leading to record passenger numbers—over 80 million in 2024. Denver International Airport was even named the Overall Winner at the Routes Americas 2025 Awards.
The airport is finishing a $2 billion terminal rebuild, which will make travel smoother and more comfortable for everyone. Laura Jackson, Vice President of Air Service Development at DEN, says the airport works closely with airlines to make sure new routes are successful and meet traveler needs.
Future Outlook
Denver International Airport is not stopping here. The airport wants to add more flights to Asia (right now, only Tokyo is served directly) and South America. Ongoing talks with airlines and strong incentive programs mean more new routes could be announced soon.
How to Choose the Best New Route for You
When deciding which new direct flight from Denver International Airport is best for your needs, consider these factors:
- Destination: Where do you want or need to go? For Europe, the Denver–Rome and Munich–Denver routes are top picks. For Mexico, Viva Aerobus offers a new low-cost option.
- Purpose: Are you traveling for business, family, tourism, or study? Some routes are better for certain needs.
- Budget: Compare fares and extra fees. Low-cost carriers like Frontier and Viva Aerobus are great for saving money, but be sure to add up all costs.
- Travel Requirements: Check passport, visa, and travel authorization needs for each country.
- Frequency and Seasonality: Some routes are seasonal or only fly a few times per week. Make sure the schedule fits your plans.
- Comfort and Service: If you want a premium experience, look for airlines and aircraft that offer business or first class, like Lufthansa’s A380.
For the latest information on flights, schedules, and requirements, always check the official Denver International Airport website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Denver International Airport’s growth is making it easier than ever for travelers to reach new destinations, whether for immigration, business, or leisure. With more direct flights, better facilities, and a focus on traveler needs, Denver is set to remain a top choice for both domestic and international journeys.
In summary, Denver International Airport’s new direct flights in 2025 offer something for everyone—whether you’re planning a trip to Rome with United Airlines, looking for a low-cost getaway to Mexico City, or exploring new domestic destinations with Frontier. By comparing routes, checking requirements, and booking early, you can make the most of these exciting new travel options.
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