is expanding operations at Denver International Airport, adding flights and jobs to keep up with customer demand, the company announced Wednesday.
“Denver is the fastest-growing city market in Southwest history,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest senior vice president. “We essentially looked where flights are full, and we’re moving to meet that demand.”
The expansion increases the airline’s daily Denver flights to 185 from 174, adding flights to 12 of the airline’s most popular destinations, including Austin, Texas; Portland, Ore.; Houston; Baltimore-Washington; Seattle; and Boston. There are no new routes.
Along with this expansion comes 50 new ground and ramp crew jobs at DIA, , a spokesman said.
Southwest was not given any direct financial incentives by the airport to encourage the growth, Watterson said. However, he said DIA modified its baggage handling system to accommodate the increased flight traffic. “So we can now check in more customers at a time,” he said. “We are very pleased about that. They are a good partner.”
The flights, which are on sale now, start June 7.
