Colorado Airports Contribute $68.9 Billion Annually to State’s Economy

Colorado Airports Contribute $68.9 Billion Annually to State’s Economy The Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS). This comprehensive study aims to quantify the economic contributions of airports across the state, updating the previous analysis conducted in 2020. “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” said Governor Polis. The 2025 CEIS evaluates the economic impact of on-airport activities and visitor spending at each participating airport. In addition to these key metrics, the study explores the critical role of airports in facilitating air cargo operations, driving economic growth, and supporting Colorado's agriculture industry. It also examines tax revenues generated by aviation-related activities and highlights the significant economic contribution of Denver International Airport.

The 2025 study assessed the annual economic impact of 66 public-use airports in Colorado, measuring their contributions in terms of employment, payroll, value added, and total business revenue. The findings revealed that these airports collectively generate $68.9 billion in annual business revenue, support 348,500 jobs with a total payroll of $23.5 billion, and contribute $40.3 billion in value added. While employment levels remained relatively steady, the study highlighted a significant 42% increase in annual business revenue associated with Colorado airports from 2020 to 2025. “This crucial study underscores the vital importance of airports and air travel for communities large and small throughout Colorado,” said Colorado Aeronautical Board Chair Kent Holsinger. “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,” Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said. The 2025 CEIS deliverables, including the executive summary, individual airport brochures, and animated flight maps, are now accessible athttps://www.coloradoaviationsystem.com/2025-ceis or https://www.codot.gov/programs/aeronautics/studies-plans-reports/2020ceis/2025ceis.