PASSENGER TRAFFIC CHALLENGES AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

A recent resurgence of air travel with significantly larger passenger volumes has led to long lines and extended wait times to get through security at Denver International Airport (DEN). Another obstacle facing passengers has been the massive renovation of the terminal’s Great Hall, whose construction walls have forced passengers into longer walks and detours to check-in areas. To help ease frustration the airport has been advising travelers to arrive at least two hours prior to their scheduled boarding times and will also be posting estimated wait times on its website as well as adding signage displaying expected times in the two main security areas.

Some relief for travelers is in sight though: In a recent news conference, airport CEO Phil Washington laid out plans to address the challenges facing DEN, which this year has been the world’s third-busiest airport. He secured an agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to add four more lanes to the south security checkpoint, but these will likely not be implemented until early next year and would simply replace the lanes temporarily removed for construction.

Parking areas closed during the pandemic will be reopened and the construction walls will be removed this month as the first phase of the renovation is completed. After the walls come down, United and Southwest will move into larger and reconfigured check-in areas. Still, Washington noted that the holiday travel period will be very challenging and urged passengers to allow sufficient time for checking in and traversing security.