DEN sets new traffic record in 2017, welcomes one billionth passenger as international travelers surge

denver logoInternational traffic at Denver International Airport (DEN) grew by 12.5 % to 2.59 million interna-tional travelers in 2017, more than double the overall passenger traffic growth rate – which itself was up by 5.3% to reach a record high of nearly 61.4 million.

International traffic growth over the last year was driven in part by new service and new airlines, including Copa Airlines to Panama City, Panama; United to Cozumel, Mexico; Norwegian to London Gatwick; Air Canada to Vancouver; and Southwest to Belize City, Belize. Aeromexico, Icelandair and Lufthansa also contributed to the record-setting year.

July was the busiest month ever for DEN, tallying more than 5.8 million passengers. The airport also experienced the single busiest day in its history on June 30, 2017, with 197,276 passengers. And, in late May, DEN celebrated its billionth passenger since the facility opened on Feb. 28, 1995.

“2017 will be remembered as one of the most successful in Denver aviation history,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “The coming year will find Denver connected with more long-haul international destin-ations than ever before, further strengthening Denver’s position on the global stage.”

December 2017 was the busiest month ever for international passengers at DEN, increasing nearly 17% over December 2016.