Denver Airport Completes $2.3b Expansion

Denver International Airport is the third busiest airport worldwide.

Source : Unsplash

November 21, 2022

Author : Alex Bustillos

Recently, Denver International Airport (DEN) had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate its Gate Expansion Program, which added additional gates to its A and B concourses. Mayor Michael Hancock joined airport and United Airlines officials at the opening.

There are 12 new gates on Concourse A-West and 10 on Concourse B-East as part of the development. 

United Airlines is leasing the gates, boosting their total number of gates at DIA to 90 and making it the largest hub for the company. Six of the twelve new A-West gates are capable of handling international flights.

Six of the twelve new A-West gates are capable of handling international flights. The A-West gate expansion includes 16 passenger waiting areas, a new international corridor, and an outdoor deck.

The development of B-East comprises twelve passenger waiting rooms and a new United Club Fly.

Each extension will have workstations, comfortable seats, charging stations, updated bathrooms, and nursing rooms. Both expansion areas will be certified as LEED Gold. They include a rooftop solar system that will reduce energy consumption by 30%.

The Bindery, Uncle, Maria Empanada, WH Smith, Elway's Taproom and Grill, Tacos Tequila Whiskey, Peet's Coffee, Market 5280, and High Dune Market and Goods will be among the new retail and dining options opening in 2023.

According to the DEN authorities, the program's initial budget of $1.5 billion increased to $2.3 billion to accommodate the movement of various airlines to other gates and the construction of five new gates for Frontier Airlines. The additional funds allowed for accommodating a new commuter facility, airline support spaces, and technological advancements. As a City and County of Denver enterprise, DEN stated in a press statement that it does not use General Fund tax funds.

Holder-FCI joint venture designed and built the B-East expansion area. Turner-Flatiron joint ventures developed the A-West expansion region. WSP was DEN's Program Management Team, whereas Jacobs supplied architectural and design services for the project.

In the last three decades, the number of yearly passengers at Denver International Airport has increased from 33.1 million to almost 69 million. The Gate Expansion Program added 39 new gates to all three concourses at DEN, boosting gate capacity by 30 percent. It provides an opportunity for DEN's airlines to expand and allows DEN to accommodate new airlines, including international carriers. In May 2018, DEN began construction on the Gate Expansion Program, opening B-West in November 2020, C-East in May 2022, B-East in October 2022, and A-West in November 2022.

Mayor Hancock said, "Denver International Airport has risen to become the third busiest airport in the world today. Projects like these are crucial to creating more jobs and business opportunities.”

Following the unveiling of DIA's Vision 100, a plan to accommodate 100 million people at the airport, development began.

Phil Washington, CEO of DEN, said, “The gate expansion program is just one way we are growing our infrastructure to ensure we are prepared for 100 million passengers in the next eight to 10 years.”

Contractor News previously reported on how Denver International Airport received $59 million from the federal government's $15b Infrastructure Law.

 

Category : Investment in Infrastructure Airports

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