WATKINS, CO — The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics has unveiled the findings from the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS). This extensive study aims to evaluate and report the economic impact of all airports in the state, updating the previous analysis conducted in 2020.

In his endorsement, Governor Jared Polis emphasized,
“The aeronautics industry in Colorado creates jobs, boosts economic growth, and contributes to the success of our agricultural and trade partnerships. International and domestic air travel in Colorado has contributed to aeronautical business retention within our state, and opened up job opportunities that have fostered a skilled-workforce here in Colorado.”

The 2025 CEIS delves into the economic impact of on-airport activities and visitor spending at each participating airport. The study goes beyond common metrics to explore key areas such as the facilitation of air cargo operations, the influence on agriculture and trade. It also examines tax revenues derived from aviation activities, with special attention to the Denver International Airport (DEN), which holds significant impact on Colorado’s economy.

The extensive report details the estimated $68.9 billion in annual business revenue generated by 66 public-use airports statewide in 2025. These airports collectively support 348,500 jobs, contributing a total of $23.5 billion in payroll and $40.3 billion in value added, representing a year-over-year 42% revenue increase over 2020.

Colorado Aeronautical Board Chair Kent Holsinger remarked, “This crucial study underscores the vital importance of airports and air travel for communities large and small throughout Colorado.”

Highlighting DEN’s Success

The study notes that Denver International Airport, a vital hub in global aviation since inception, demonstrated robust growth in passenger traffic over the past 30 years. In a testimonial statement, Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said, “Since opening thirty years ago this week, DEN’s exponential passenger growth and emergence as a central hub in the global aviation market has contributed to it being a multi-billion-dollar economic engine for the Denver metro area, Colorado and the entire Rocky Mountain region. This is something we are incredibly proud of, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously.”

The study highlights how DEN’s growth as a central cargo hub has significantly enhanced Colorado’s trade capacity, allowing businesses to expand into international markets and offer job opportunities to the local workforce. Besides its economic impacts, DEN continues to play a critical role in seamlessly connecting the community to the broader world economy.

“DEN’s investments in infrastructure, alongside efforts to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable aviation practices, cement its position as a vital economic driver and a model for environmental stewardship among North American airports. DEN’s Right of Way acquisition and Terminal Improvements aligned with ongoing sustainability initiatives demonstrate practical examples of such efforts.”

Recent investment has solidified DEN as an infrastructure leader in aviation technology and logistics. DEN’s Right of Way acquisition and Terminal Improvements align with ongoing sustainability initiatives, reflecting practical examples of such efforts. This approach not only boosts aviation efficiency but also advances environmental sustainability through innovative technological integration.

This year’s report underscores that the airport’s substantial role in economic prosperity is not limited to passenger traffic. It includes areas such as safety and logistics aspects. So in addition to the traditionally robust freight operations

Cambridge, Broomfield, and Aspen, also reveal their role in contributing to local economies respectively providing logistic support for manufacturing and tourism industries.

DEM concludes its efforts toward prioritizing sustainability aligns its modernizing efforts enabling airports such as Aspen and Park County to foster local tourism centered around eco tourism.

Conclusion:

The 2025 CEIS provides detailed findings on benefits of the air transportation industry, reflecting DEN’s embrace of sustainable aviation practices, and focusing on enhancing the infrastructure and considerable economic benefits generated. As these airports continue with their efforts, economic impact expected to grow further enhancing customer experience by fostering accessibility and connectivity. Moreover, the comprehensive findings reinforce the necessity to prioritize sustainable practices, economic stability, as well as operational excellence in the aviation sector in Colorado.

“Federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Transportation and industry bodies like Airlines for America advocate for robust infrastructure investment has been spearheaded by key implementation of sustainable practices in ways of green energy and utilization of fuel.” US Department of Transportation