Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver Airports Set for Significant 2023 Growth

Two of the United States’ largest and busiest airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN), are poised to experience notable increases in passenger traffic throughout 2023, fueled by expansive plans from their major airlines.

DFW, the second-busiest airport in North America and the primary hub for American Airlines, is on track to surpass 80 million passengers this year, reflecting a substantial 10% surge compared to 2020. The airport came remarkably close to its pre-pandemic peak last year, handling over 72 million travelers. American Airlines is actively enhancing DFW’s prominence by amplifying its flight offerings and seating capacity for both domestic and international routes. The carrier intends to augment its services to Shanghai and Barcelona from DFW in the current year.

DEN, the third-busiest airport in North America and the central hub for Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, anticipates a passenger count ranging from 78 to 79 million in 2023, signifying a remarkable 14% increase from the previous year. Impressively, the airport surpassed its pre-pandemic peak in 2020 by serving more than 69 million passengers. DEN has garnered the attention of Southwest and United, who have invested in the airport by launching new routes and flights to various destinations. The completion of 39 new gates, marking the first major concourse expansion since the airport’s inception in 1995, is another notable milestone for DEN.

Both airports are capitalizing on the robust demand for travel in the Sunbelt region, coupled with their strategic positioning as key connecting hubs for diverse destinations. Recognizing the necessity to accommodate the burgeoning passenger numbers and airline operations, both DFW and DEN are actively enhancing their infrastructure and facilities. DFW’s forthcoming Terminal F project and DEN’s initiatives to alleviate traffic congestion on access roads are indicative of their commitment to ongoing improvements.

The promising growth trajectory of these airports underscores their significance as pivotal contributors to the aviation landscape, poised to meet the evolving demands of travelers and airlines alike.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, airlineweekly.com, fortworthreport.org, axios.com