What To Know
- The longest runway at DFW is 13,400 feet, while the longest runway at DEN is 12,000 feet.
- However, DEN remains a significant airport with its own unique features and plays a vital role in the Denver metropolitan area.
- DFW has a slight edge in terms of variety, with over 200 restaurants and shops, compared to DEN’s 150.
The question of whether Denver International Airport (DEN) is bigger than Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has been a subject of debate for years. Both airports are massive transportation hubs, but which one reigns supreme in terms of size and capacity? In this blog post, we’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison to determine the answer to this intriguing question.
Size Comparison
When it comes to size, the answer is clear: DFW is bigger than DEN.
- Land Area: DFW sprawls across an impressive 17,207 acres, making it the second-largest airport in the United States by land area. DEN, in comparison, covers approximately 5,280 acres.
- Terminal Area: DFW boasts five terminals covering a total of 7.3 million square feet. DEN, on the other hand, has three terminals with a combined area of approximately 4.5 million square feet.
Passenger Traffic
In terms of passenger traffic, DFW handles more passengers than DEN.
- Passengers per Year: DFW is the fourth busiest airport in the world, with over 74 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2021. DEN, meanwhile, ranks 20th globally, handling approximately 69 million passengers in the same year.
- International Passengers: DFW is a major hub for international travel, serving 279 destinations in 63 countries. DEN, on the other hand, has a smaller international footprint, serving 242 destinations in 34 countries.
Runway Capacity
When it comes to runway capacity, DFW and DEN are relatively comparable.
- Number of Runways: Both airports have seven runways, providing ample capacity for takeoffs and landings.
- Runway Length: The longest runway at DFW is 13,400 feet, while the longest runway at DEN is 12,000 feet.
Cargo Capacity
In terms of cargo capacity, DFW is the clear winner.
- Cargo Volume: DFW handles over 2.5 million tons of cargo annually, making it one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. DEN, in comparison, handles approximately 1.2 million tons of cargo per year.
- Cargo Facilities: DFW has a dedicated 310-acre cargo area with state-of-the-art facilities, while DEN’s cargo operations are spread across multiple locations.
Economic Impact
Both DFW and DEN have a significant economic impact on their respective regions:
- Jobs: DFW supports over 250,000 jobs, while DEN supports approximately 100,000 jobs.
- Economic Output: DFW generates an estimated $37 billion in economic output annually, while DEN generates approximately $25 billion in economic output.
Unique Features
Beyond their size and capacity, both DFW and DEN have unique features that set them apart:
- DFW’s Airport Tram: DFW is known for its iconic Skylink automated people mover, which connects all five terminals.
- DEN’s Great Hall: DEN’s massive Great Hall is adorned with a stunning kinetic sculpture by Leo Villareal.
- DFW’s Mustangs of Las Colinas: DFW is home to a herd of bronze mustang sculptures that overlook the airport’s main entrance.
- DEN’s Runway 16R/34L: DEN’s Runway 16R/34L is one of the longest runways in the world and is used for space shuttle landings.
Summary
While both Denver International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport are massive transportation hubs, the evidence clearly shows that DFW is the larger airport. DFW surpasses DEN in terms of land area, terminal space, passenger traffic, cargo capacity, and economic impact. However, DEN remains a significant airport with its own unique features and plays a vital role in the Denver metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which airport is more convenient to get to from downtown?
A: DFW is located approximately 20 miles from downtown Dallas, while DEN is located approximately 25 miles from downtown Denver. Both airports offer a variety of transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation.
Q: Which airport has better dining and shopping options?
A: Both DFW and DEN offer a wide range of dining and shopping options. DFW has a slight edge in terms of variety, with over 200 restaurants and shops, compared to DEN’s 150.
Q: Which airport is more accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Both DFW and DEN are committed to providing accessible facilities for people with disabilities. Both airports have ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout their terminals.
