Denver, CO
DIA braces for 100 million travelers a year after record-high holiday travel
Denver International Airport broke a record over the Labor Day period – screening 428,182 passengers over six days to board flights — the latest in a year of records at a U.S. air transport hub built to handle far fewer people.
DIA managers saw the Labor Day surge as a test run for a fast-approaching future bringing 100 million travelers a year, anticipated as early as 2027, five years sooner than previously projected. That would double the capacity DIA was built for when it opened in 1995 with 33 miles of runways and taxiways on 53 square miles northeast of Denver. They’re focused on a race to clear major hurdles for handling that many people pressing to get to where they want to go.
Two days before the surge, the airport’s internal rail system broke down, shooting white sparks as electric currents arced, forcing emergency track repairs and messing up weekend plans for travelers who had to book and re-book flights missed while stuck in terminal crowds. However, the trains ran on their regular 2-minute intervals over the next six days, ferrying 955,000 passengers mostly without problems, though a software glitch on Aug. 30 caused a six-minute shutdown.
Waiting
Here are the average and maximum wait times travelers at DIA faced in 2024 (Feb. 6 through Sept. 10), according to data provided to the Denver Post.
– A-Bridge: average 6.93 minutes, maximum 16.32 minutes
– West checkpoint: average 4 minutes, maximum 28.66 minutes
– South checkpoint: average 11.47 minutes, maximum 26.40 minutes
Beyond train woes (a new train car is scheduled to begin service this month), Transportation Security Administration wait lines loom as an intensifying challenge. DIA officials claimed an average wait time between 7 and 11 minutes around Labor Day with a maximum wait of 39 minutes.
Airport chief executive Phil Washington called DIA’s performance over Labor Day “a good test for the 100 million” but added he’s far from comfortable.
“The crowds are getting to be more and more, increasing out here. I’m never really satisfied with how we are processing people through,” Washington said.
“People are prioritizing travel all over the world and we are one of ‘those’ airports,” he said. “We could have improved on the Labor Day period. But we did get folks through with that average wait time between 7 and 11 minutes.” Moving people quickly through the airport, he said, is the current top priority.
The record number of passengers cleared for flights around Labor Day reflects a steady post-pandemic increase that puts DIA on track to reach 82 million passengers by the end of 2024, up from 69 million in 2019.
The 428,182 passengers around Labor Day exceeded the record set in 2023 of 422,992 by 1.2% and the previous 2019 record of 408,424 by almost 5%, according to TSA passenger-screening data. Those numbers don’t include travelers connecting from one flight to another in DIA and those arriving to stay in Colorado.
Hurdles for handling 100 million
The increasing travel through DIA is driving a race to complete large-scale construction projects launched five years ago to expand the airport’s operational capacity.
DIA’s Great Hall under the signature tent-topped roof, conceived in the early 1990s as a place for people to be together as travelers arrive and depart, will be devoted to the nation’s post-9/11 terrorism security priority. DIA officials say the overhaul will be done in 2027 after a restructuring and budget increase from $770 million to $2.1 billion.
A key hurdle will be ensuring the best possible customer service amid construction disruptions, Washington said, referring to the internal trains, baggage-moving systems, and communications to reach drivers approaching on Pena Boulevard.
DIA workers face another major challenge in maintaining existing escalators, elevators, and moving sidewalks – ensuring “a state of good repair” to handle 100 million people, Washington said. More than 300 conveyors move people in DIA.
A third main hurdle requires “maintaining our pace” on other construction projects, including the addition of 11 aircraft gates on the C Concourse and the implementation of faster security screening systems, he said. An east security checkpoint, bringing 17 new passenger screening lanes, is scheduled to open by August 2025.
DIA’s federally run security systems have been able to process 150 travelers an hour per lane. The latest 17-lane west checkpoint, and the new east checkpoint, are designed to screen 240 travelers an hour per lane. DIA officials before Labor Day expanded access to an online reservation system that lets travelers at the west checkpoint “skip the line” by making appointments for their screening. They’re mulling whether to use a reservation system at both checkpoints in the future.
Overall, “it is like remodeling your house while you still live in it,” Washington said. “We cannot close this place down.”
Rising demand for DIA
Denver airport’s busiest days
The heaviest travel is concentrated during summer months, according to the latest single-day numbers provided by DIA. The busiest days for passenger screenings to fly so far in 2024 are as follows:
– July 7: 93,591 (a DIA record)
– July 21: 89,421
– June 30: 86,941
– Sept. 2: 86,726
– August 11: 86,519
– July 28: 86,242
– July 14: 86,125
– July 22: 85,580
– Aug. 4: 85,485
– June 23: 85,304
Airlines’ commercial decision-making is driving the expansion. DIA officials this year announced a 13-hour nonstop route to Istanbul, the longest flight from DIA, opening access to Asia and Africa. They’re adding other expanded international flights this winter, including 14% more nonstop flights to Europe. Denver officials also are exploring more nonstop flights to Tokyo and a new direct route to Africa with a refueling stop between DIA and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In addition, DIA negotiators have identified “the three largest underserved international markets” in Rome, Italy; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, airport spokesman Michael Konopasek said. “Due to the large demand, these are all targets for new service. We continue conversations with airline partners for new and expanded service.”
“Our facilities have to be not just average. They have to be exceptional. That goes to our through-put of passengers. That goes to safety. That goes to our partnerships with airlines, who see us as a major hub,” Washington said. “We want to be the greenest, most efficient, and easiest to navigate airport in the world.”
Originally Published:
Sean Payton has seen enough. The Denver Broncos’ third practice of mandatory minicamp, which was set to happen on Thursday, has been canceled.
“Just schedule-wise, today will be our last day,” Payton said after Wednesday’s practice. “I just finished telling them that. It’s unusual because there’s a lot of packing, a little bit more than normal when you’re moving into another facility. So when we’re back here, we’ll be in the new building.”
The Broncos are moving into their new state-of-the-art facility, but the decision to cancel the final practice of the offseason was motivated primarily by what Payton has seen thus far and how the team is shaping up.
Thus concludes the Broncos’ offseason training program, which featured eight total practices as a team, four of which were open to the media. There was more on-field activity than that, including walkthrough practices unseen by the press, but in essence, we’re talking about eight sessions.
Some players have already begun to separate themselves in their respective competitions. Others have really popped, while some have failed to really stand out in any meaningful way.
By way of a Broncos stock report, let’s get to the biggest winners and losers of mandatory minicamp.
Winner: Bo Nix | QB
Nix finally returned to the practice field on Tuesday, the first day of minicamp. He was limited to individual drills only, but it was still great to see him out there.
On Day 2, though, Nix took another big step forward, participating in a 7-on-7 drill that included a highlight-reel touchdown pass to RJ Harvey. Just getting Nix back on the field was a big win for the Broncos, but seeing him progress over two days and look overall very sharp was more than a little encouraging.
Winner: Jaylen Waddle | WR
Waddle has been a lightning rod since the practices were opened to the media. He just looks different. That speed and explosiveness really add an element to the Broncos’ offense that has been lacking.
It’s been palpable. But arguably just as exciting is what Waddle’s teammates and coaches have been saying about him. Payton has called him a “force multiplier,” which is another way of saying that he makes everyone around him better.
Not that we really had reason to doubt it, but Waddle has been as advertised thus far, and then some.
Loser: Marvin Mims Jr. | WR
Mims is not listed as a loser because of any specific negative plays, like a dropped pass or a mental miscue. It’s just that, with other receivers, including Waddle, shining, generating buzz, and earning plaudits from Payton, Mims didn’t really.
Mims is a similar receiver type as Waddle, but the newcomer made it clear how much separation exists between them in practice. Now, Mims is still important to the Broncos, especially as a returner, and Payton did compliment his clutch gene and contributions in big games, but you have to wonder how he fits into the game plan on offense. That question still hasn’t been answered.
Winner: J.K. Dobbins | RB
Dobbins was his usually talkative self at minicamp, but the fact that he was healthy and out there doing his thing is a major win for the Broncos. It’s good to have him part of the daily process at Broncos HQ again because he’s one of those veterans that takes players under his wing, and elevates them.
Winner: Que Robinson | OLB
With the recent off-the-field drama the Broncos have dealt with, some extra attention was paid to the Broncos’ outside linebackers. Robinson, in particular, separated himself during minicamp.
His get-off is something else, and he was dispruptive during the Broncos’ team periods. Vance Joseph has said he views Robinson as a “future starter.” Pending Cooper’s situation, the future could be now, though Elliss will also have something to say about that.
Robinson had one heck of an offseason. I’m really looking forward to his second year.
Loser: Jonathon Cooper | OLB
After being arrested twice in the span of a week, the Broncos excused Cooper from mandatory minicamp. It would seem the Broncos want to create some distance from Cooper until his legal troubles are resolved, one way or another.
It’s a shame, in more ways than one. Beyond what legal ramifications might await Cooper, he’s very likely to be suspended by the NFL, and the Broncos releasing him at some point is not outside the bounds of the plausible. It’s a good thing that rush linebacker room is stacked.
Winner: Matt Henningsen | DL
None of these winners has been quite as surprising as Henningsen. He made a huge play on Day 1 of minicamp, tipping a Sam Ehlinger pass and returning it to the house.
Henningsen followed that up with another disruptive Day 2. He’s gone from being an after thought in the Broncos’ defensive line conversation to establishing himself as a bona fide threat for the roster.
Loser: Jahdae Barron | CB
Like Mims, Barron wasn’t bad during the offseason; he just didn’t pop, really, in any way. He broke up one pass on Day 2 of minicamp, but beyond that, there wasn’t much to see.
It will be interesting to see how Barron performs in training camp. We know the Broncos have high expectations for him, and a role on defense, even if as a depth piece, will be created for him, but I was hoping to see more signs of a Year-2 leap by now.
Winner: Jonah Coleman | RB
Another as-advertised player. Coleman has proven he’s ready for the NFL, which was partly what attracted the Broncos to him in the draft.
Coleman stood out in a major way at minicamp and made it clear that the Broncos have more than just a J.K. Dobbins insurance policy on their hands. Coleman is a force to be reckoned with.
Winner: Tyler Onyedim | DL
Like Coleman the Broncos’ first pick in the 2026 draft has looked NFL-ready. The Broncos still haven’t signed Onyedim, but that didn’t stop him from participating in the offseason program, which is a good harbinger.
Rocking the No. 98 jersey, it’s easy to mistake Onyedim for the guy he was drafted to replace: John Franklin-Myers. That’s especially true when the rookie is out there making plays like JFM. Onyedim has earned praise from his teammates, including the All-Pro Zach Allen.
Winner: Evan Engram | TE
Engram looked very good in minicamp this week. He looked like a big, athletic, smooth, explosive receiver, which is what he’s been in the NFL.
Engram wasn’t really all those things in his first year with the Broncos, but I’m hopeful that Year 2 will be different for the two-time Pro Bowler. He’s had a good summer.
Winner: Troy Franklin | WR
Franklin seems like the obvious No. 3 receiver in the pecking order. That doesn’t mean he’ll get the No. 3 snaps on an exclusive basis, though.
As the Broncos’ No. 2 last year, Franklin wasn’t able to fully live up to that, although he took some big steps forward in his second year. As the No. 3, it’s more his natural spot and that should allow him to continue to thrive in the offense, especially with the connection he has with Bo Nix dating back to Oregon.
Winner: Sam Ehlinger | QB
Ehlinger had a great offseason. He looked way more comfortable and far sharper in the offense in what is his second go-around in Payton’s offense.
Ehlinger was sharp this summer, and if he can continue to build on the foundation he’s created, it could create some uncomfortable conversations at Broncos HQ.
Loser: Jarrett Stidham | QB
Stidham has been less noteworthy this summer, but that doesn’t mean he’s been bad. In comparison to Ehlinger, though, Stidham wasn’t as good, which is curious, considering his standing as the team’s primary backup since 2023.
If Ehlinger ends up leapfrogging Stidham, what do the Broncos do? They’re holding a competition for QB2, and they have to be prepared for the possibility of Ehlinger winning it, especially after his strong summer.
If Ehlinger forces this issue, Stidham could become expendable. Stidham is very unlikely to be a cut candidate because of his contract, but as a trade piece? There’s a reason the rumor mill has been active on the Stidham topic this offseason. It’s something to watch.
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The Mecca Sports Bar in Denver will be allowed to continue operations after it reached a settlement agreement with the city. According to the Denver Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, the business will be required to pay a $5,000 fine and have employees complete specialized training.
The bar had been under investigation for prostitution since 2024.
According to the Denver Police Department, there were two arrests for prostitution as a result of the investigation into the bar, in addition to a merchant guard license violation for failure to comply.
According to the city’s licensing department, the business will be under a probationary period, where if there are any other violations of law or rules and regulations, it could face harsher penalties, including license suspension or revocation.
Denver police investigators said they conducted three undercover prostitution stings at the bar. In every operation, officers said they were offered sex for money and told about a scheme where the women would overcharge for alcohol and keep the extra cash.
Mecca Sports Bar is located off West Mississippi Avenue and Federal Boulevard near Huston Lake Park and was formerly known as Club Dubai.
Denver, CO
Attorney for Denver Broncos defender Jonathon Cooper plays race card in domestic abuse case
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been in the news for all the wrong reasons this offseason and that continued Tuesday when his attorney claimed race played a role in the domestic abuse case involving the Black player and his White ex-girlfriend.
Both Cooper and Jade Fiegen were arrested two weeks ago when police arrived at the player’s Colorado residence and determined an altercation over the contents of each other’s phones had occurred, according to court records. But on Tuesday, the 23rd Judicial District Attorney in Douglas County dropped the charges against Fiegen.
The prosecutor also decided to continue with charges against Cooper — meaning the player still faces five charges, including second-degree assault-strangulation, which is a felony.
Jonathon Cooper of the Denver Broncos celebrates a sack against Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 7, 2025. (Tyler Schank/Getty Images)
JONATHON COOPER BREAKS SILENCE AFTER DOMESTIC ABUSE ARREST WITH AN APOLOGY
Cooper is expected to be in court on Wednesday but before that happened, the lawyers for both parties released statements to 9News and Cooper’s attorney cited race as the reason his client is still on the hook.
“White woman admits she was the aggressor,” Harvey Steinberg said in his statement to the TV station. “Admits she grabbed my client’s phone out of his hand. Admits she went through it without his permission. Admits she threw it against the wall, damaging it. She makes allegations against my client which police don’t appear to believe. Charges dismissed against white woman. Prosecution against Black man continues. Justice in America.”
Attorney Ronald Gainor, who represents Fiegen, offered a different perspective and took a vastly different approach.
He didn’t mention race.
“She should never have been charged in the first place and the decision today by the district attorney’s office confirms that,” Gainor said in his statement to 9News. “This decision really goes a long way in vindicating her and we’re very happy with the court’s decision today.”
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 5, 2025. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
Cooper’s attorney accusing the prosecution of favoring the woman because she’s White probably isn’t going to earn him points if this goes to trial. It’s borderline unbecoming.
But Cooper’s alleged offseason activity has been that as well.
The woman and Cooper were both arrested two weeks ago when an altercation began at Cooper’s residence over allegations of infidelity. That escalated into a physical struggle involving their cell phones, according to arrest records.
Fiegen accused Cooper of cheating on her despite the pair being in a four-year relationship.
NFL FACING OFFSEASON DOMESTIC ABUSE EPIDEMIC
Then things got weird.
Cooper apologized for the incident on his social media account.
Then, he was arrested a second time in a week and had to appear in court (again) when he violated a protection order. Cooper allegedly sent Fiegen a series of text messages and showed up outside her apartment.
That earned Cooper two more misdemeanor charges.
Denver Broncos star Jonathon Cooper was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief in Colorado. (Courtesy of Douglas County Sheriff’s Office)
So now Cooper faces five charges in total:
- Second-degree assault – strangulation
- Third-degree assault – knowingly or recklessly causing injury
- Criminal mischief – $300-$1,000
- Violating a protective order
- Harassment – repeated telephone calls
The Broncos, by the way, opened a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday but Cooper was not present because he was excused.
FORMER NFL FIRST-ROUND PICK DARRON LEE INDICTED ON FIRST-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE IN GIRLFRIEND’S DEATH
“We’ve excused him from this minicamp,” coach Sean Payton told reporters. “He’s taking this time; obviously, he’s got to work on himself. The club is very much in tune to the league office, local authorities here, and we’ve had several meetings.
“Clearly, from an ownership standpoint, head coach, organizationally, there’s a bar we have and an expectation we have that’s very high. We’ll consider all that as we continue to gather information.”
That doesn’t sound like the Broncos are 100 percent certain Cooper will be able to play for them at the start of the 2026 season, or even be on the team.
It’s possible Cooper might be in jail.
It’s possible Cooper might have to serve an NFL-mandated suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
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It’s possible the club simply decides Cooper, who has 27 sacks the past three seasons, isn’t worth the aggravation or distraction.
A troubling offseason can sometimes do that.
FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO
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