Heathrow vs Denver airports
The world has seen an increase in air travel in the last few decades, making airports significant transportation hubs. Heathrow and Denver airports are two prominent airports that cater to millions of passengers annually. Both airports are famous for their state-of-the-art facilities and world-class services. However, which airport is larger: Heathrow or Denver?
Heathrow airport: history and development
Heathrow airport, also known as London Heathrow, is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the seventh busiest airport globally. It was opened in 1946 for commercial air traffic and has since grown to become a major hub for international air travel. The airport has four terminals, and a fifth terminal is currently under construction. In 2019, it handled 80.9 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
Denver airport: history and development
Denver International Airport, also known as DIA, is the largest airport in North America, covering an area of 137.26 square kilometers. It opened in 1995, replacing the old Stapleton International Airport. The airport has one main terminal building that is divided into three concourses. It is the sixth-busiest airport in North America and the twentieth busiest airport globally, handling over 69 million passengers in 2019.
Size comparison: Heathrow vs Denver airports
In terms of size, Denver International Airport is larger than Heathrow Airport. Denver airport covers an area of 137.26 square kilometers, while Heathrow airport covers an area of 12.27 square kilometers. Denver airport is the second-largest airport globally, while Heathrow airport is the eighth-largest airport globally.
Terminal facilities comparison: Heathrow vs Denver airports
Heathrow airport has four terminals, and a fifth terminal is currently under construction, while Denver airport has one main terminal building that is divided into three concourses. Both airports offer world-class terminal facilities, including lounges, restaurants, and shopping centers. However, Heathrow airport has more terminal buildings, which provide more options for passengers.
Runway facilities comparison: Heathrow vs Denver airports
Heathrow airport has two runways, while Denver airport has six runways, making it the airport with the most runways globally. The runways at Denver airport are designed to accommodate the largest commercial airplanes, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
Passenger traffic comparison: Heathrow vs Denver airports
Heathrow airport handled 80.9 million passengers in 2019, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. Denver airport handled over 69 million passengers in 2019, making it the sixth-busiest airport in North America and the twentieth busiest airport globally.
Cargo traffic comparison: Heathrow vs Denver airports
Heathrow airport is a major cargo hub, handling over 1.5 million metric tons of cargo annually. Denver airport also handles cargo traffic, but on a smaller scale, handling around 606,000 metric tons of cargo annually.
Employment and economic impact comparison: Heathrow vs Denver airports
Heathrow airport is a significant employer, providing jobs for over 76,000 people directly and indirectly. It also contributes significantly to the UK economy, generating over £15 billion in economic value. Denver airport is also a significant employer, providing jobs for over 35,000 people directly and indirectly. It contributes significantly to the Colorado economy, generating over $33 billion in economic value.
Conclusion: Which airport is larger?
In conclusion, Denver International Airport is larger than Heathrow Airport, covering an area of 137.26 square kilometers compared to Heathrow’s 12.27 square kilometers. However, both airports offer world-class facilities and services, making them significant transportation hubs globally. The size of the airport does not necessarily determine the quality of services provided, and both airports continue to strive to be at the forefront of the aviation industry.
