officials say their sixth-busiest ranking among the world’s airports solidifies DIA’s position as a global hub with expanding reach.
The preliminary Airports Council International rankings also place DIA as the third-busiest in North America for the fourth year, based on DIA’s record passenger traffic last year.
Capacity growth by the largest airlines and increased flight frequencies, combined with new carriers adding service, maintained DIA’s position. Aer Lingus launched flights to Dublin, Ireland, and Turkish Airlines launched flights to Istanbul, Turkey. DIA chief executive Phil Washington cited “continued, thoughtful growth” toward a target of handling 100 million passengers within the next couple of years by expanding global reach.
DIA’s record-breaking 82.3 million passengers traveling through the airport in 2024 represented a 5.8% increase compared with 2023. International passenger traffic at DIA is increasing faster – up 15% above the 2023 level to more than 4.6 million. Thatap 46% more than the pre-pandemic international passenger traffic in 2019.
Worldwide, DIA’s passenger traffic placed behind the numbers in Atlanta (108 million), Dubai (92.3 million), Dallas/Fort Worth (87.8 million), Tokyo (85.9 million), and London (83.8 million).
The ACI airport are based on data from 2,700 airports worldwide. DIA had the fourth most aircraft takeoffs and landings among the world’s airports last year, exceeded only by the aircraft movements at Atlanta, Chicago/O’Hare, and Dallas-Ft. Worth.
