What is Denver Airport (DEN) like?
Denver International Airport (DEN), located northeast of downtown Denver, Colorado, is one of the most important aviation centers in the United States. In 2024, it handled 82,358,744 passengers, ranking #3 in North America and #6 worldwide in passenger traffic.
It is also the largest airport in the United States by land area, covering 53 square miles (equal to 34,000 acres or 137.8 km²), making it one of the most expansive airports in the world.
Its high-altitude location, modern infrastructure, and capacity for long-range operations make DEN a key hub for both national and international air transport.
DEN Quick Facts
- 6 active runways · longest runway 16R/34L: 16,000 feet
- Elevation: 5,434 feet (1,656 meters) above sea level
- 1 main terminal (Jeppesen Terminal) + 3 concourses (A, B, and C)
- 82,358,744 passengers in 2024
- Global ranking: #6 · North America ranking: #3
- Area: 53 square miles (34,000 acres / 137.8 km²) — the largest in the U.S.
- Over 215 nonstop destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Main airlines: United, Southwest, Frontier
Runways and Air Operations at Denver International Airport
DEN operates six long runways, all among the largest in the United States. Their layout allows simultaneous takeoffs and landings under varying wind conditions, keeping traffic flow constant even at high altitude.
At more than 5,400 feet above sea level, the airport’s elevation requires longer runways and high-performance systems so large aircraft can safely depart at full weight.
The airport’s vast land area also provides space for future expansion without compromising safety or operational capacity.
Denver’s Longest Runway
Runway 16R/34L, measuring 16,000 feet (4,877 meters), is the longest public-use runway in North America. Its length allows it to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, even in high temperatures or altitude.
This makes DEN fully capable of handling long-haul and intercontinental flights year-round.
Passenger Terminals at Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport features a single central terminal known as the Jeppesen Terminal, connected by an automated underground train to three concourses: A, B, and C.
This layout allows for smooth and efficient passenger movement, linking check-in, security, and baggage claim areas with the departure gates.
Jeppesen Terminal
The main hub for check-in, security, and baggage claim. It also houses shops, restaurants, and services.
Concourse A
Handles both domestic and international flights. Some gates connect directly to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge, one of the few in the U.S. that passes over active taxiways.
Concourse B
The main base for United Airlines, the carrier with the largest number of operations at DEN, offering an extensive domestic and international network.
Concourse C
Primarily serves Southwest Airlines, with hundreds of daily flights across the country.
The DEN Airport Pin: A Tribute to Denver
The Denver Airport Pin pays tribute to one of the nation’s most distinctive airports. Made from hard enamel with a premium finish, this 1.5-inch piece takes the shape of the state of Colorado and features the iconic Jeppesen Terminal roof and DEN code, symbols of altitude, engineering, and connection.
What’s Included with the Denver Airport Pin
- Custom backing card designed specifically for Denver
- Rubber pinbacks for a secure and comfortable fit
- Metal pinbacks with a safety lock and magnetic function, allowing it to be used as a pin or a magnet
- Premium packaging, ideal for gifting or display
Denver International Airport represents connection, altitude, and ambition, a symbol of Colorado’s open skies.
If DEN is part of your story, this is your pin.
👉 Denver Airport Pin – Denver International Airport, Colorado
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