Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Denver International Airport (DEN) CEO Phil Washington, in partnership with DEN’s airlines, have announced plans to construct pedestrian walkways as the airport continues to invest in its passenger experience.
DEN will repurpose portions of its existing underground baggage tunnels for pedestrian walkways, which were determined to be the best alternative to the train for passengers to travel between concourses A and B, and B and C. Project details are being finalized, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
“This is a big win for Denver’s travelers and for our entire community,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “We’ve heard loud and clear that easier, more reliable ways to move between concourses has been a top priority for people traveling in and out of DEN. These new pedestrian walkways would deliver on that—giving folks more flexibility while we continue building one of the best-connected airports in the world. And who knows… maybe along the way, travelers will finally get a closer look at the underground tunnels and decide for themselves what’s fact and what’s fiction.”
DEN CEO Phil Washington added, “As DEN continues to increase passenger numbers and global connections, we are committed to providing customers with the best airport experience. Adding pedestrian walkways to DEN’s current infrastructure is another key component of our Vision 100 plan.”
Pedestrian walkways will complement DEN’s existing train system. In recent years, DEN has invested more than $75 million into modernizing train vehicles, with more new train cars and other system upgrades expected in the next few years. The new pedestrian walkways support DEN’s Vision 100 strategic plan to ensure the airport is prepared for an eventual 100 million annual passengers.
“United is Denver’s largest airline and we operate on two concourses at DEN,” said Jonna McGrath, United’s vice president of airport operations. “The addition of pedestrian walkways at DEN is a significant investment and will give our customers more options for their connecting flights.”
“At every step of a customer’s journey, we are committed to providing a seamless experience at Denver International Airport, our largest operation in terms of annual flights,” said Lisa Hingson, vice president of customer experience and innovation at Southwest Airlines. “The new pedestrian walkways are a tremendous addition to our recent enhancements of TSA Precheck Touchless ID and Touchless ID Self-Bag Drop.”
DEN remains dedicated to providing world-class service and investing in its infrastructure, which the pedestrian walkways underscore. Over the past few years, the airport has added 39 new gates across all three concourses through a gate expansion program and is in the process of renewing the legacy portion of those existing concourses. The Great Hall refresh of the Jeppesen Terminal is nearing completion in 2027.
“American Airlines appreciates DEN’s continued investment and partnership in enhancing the customer experience,” said American’s Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Amanda Zhang. “The addition of pedestrian walkways adds flexibility and reliability for our customers and improves operational resilience.”
