Updated 15th July 2025 – Denver International Airport (DIA) is in the final phase of its ambitious Great Hall renovation, a major overhaul of the Jeppesen Terminal aimed at highlighting “the spirit of Colorado” and improving passenger experience. Originally started in 2018, the multi-phase project has faced budget and timeline adjustments, with total costs now expected to stay below $1.3 billion and completion targeted for 2027. The airport has the distinction of having the longest runway in the USA.
Despite construction challenges, airport officials promise minimal impact on travelers. Other planned projects include a seventh runway, an 11-gate extension of Concourse C West, and significant improvements to Peña Boulevard — the airport’s main access road, which has seen traffic increase by 80% since DIA opened in 1995. With passenger numbers projected to grow from 78 million in 2023 to 120 million by 2045, the airport also plans a new multi-story rental car facility for 17,500 vehicles, expanded baggage claim areas, and an enlarged international arrivals section. Additionally, 14 new train cars will replace aging units on the airport’s internal transit system. Local funding will largely cover the final phase, with some federal support for modernization projects.
6th October 2023 – Denver International Airport officials have revealed plans for new concourses as well as other renovations. Following a large increase in Denver-based travel — 36.5 million passengers in the first half of 2023, a 13.6% increase over the first half of 2022 — that 100-million mark appears certain to become the yearly standard by 2027.
Also Read: Chicago Midway International Airport set to build first passenger lounge
The necessary retooling and growth to meet that demand is being pushed forward. This timetable covers the Great Hall Project, as well as the reconstruction of infrastructure such as bathrooms, new check-in spaces, and a new security checkpoint.
The new west security checkpoint will open on February 6, 2019, promising to reduce wait times and move up to 250 travellers through each lane per hour by utilising innovative technologies such as remote baggage scanners.
The construction of a new checkpoint, on the other hand, will shut down the opposite side. When the west checkpoint opens, the airport will close the north side to build the east checkpoint, which will be a replica of the new western version.
The Great Hall Project and Operation 2045 project at Denver International Airport
The Great Hall Project was supposed to be completed by 2028, but according to Washington, construction is ahead of schedule. DIA, on the other hand, is not done with its Vision 100 plan. The airport is already planning for the long term and the next milestone – 120 million passengers per year.
During the briefing, Washington divulged the origins of Operation 2045. Researchers anticipate the airport will have 120 million annual travellers by 2045, when it will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The design calls for four new concourses, each with 25 extra gates – a total of 100 new gates. The operation includes a new processing centre on the airport’s south side. Additionally, it involves a consolidated vehicle rental area. The new concourses will be constructed in stages. There will be two on the north end and two on the south end. Concourse C will also receive eleven more gates in the future.
