Denver International Airport said it brought in a record $494.5 million in revenue in 2005, thanks to a record number of passengers.
The 2005 revenue figure is up $16.8 million, or 3.5 percent, from 2004.
More than 43 million passengers used DIA last year, a 2.6 percent year-over-year increase, leading to additional revenue from concessions, parking and car rentals.
DIA’s operating expenses also grew, up to $231 million last year, an increase of $9.9 million, or 4.5 percent.
Net assets declined to $640.2 million last year, from $684.8 million in 2004, due to the write-off of parts of United’s automated baggage system and annual depreciation.
The airport’s operating income before depreciation and amortization was $263.4 million, up 2.7 percent year-over-year and also a record.
DIA, which has been known for its relatively high costs to airlines, said its cost per enplaned passenger continued to decline for the fifth year in a row. Airlines’ average cost per enplaned passenger in 2005 was $12.90. In 2001, it was $15.28.
“Keeping our costs down benefits our tenant airlines and, as a result of more choice and increased competition, the traveling public,” said DIA manager Turner West in a written statement.
Parking revenue was up, in part due to in increase in parking rates effective June 15, 2005.
Traffic at DIA is also expected to hit a record this year, in part due to increased traffic when Southwest Airlines began operating out of DIA in January.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-820-1488 or at kyamanouchi@denverpost.com .
