Since taking to the skies in 1971, Southwest Airlines has earned its place as one of America’s most beloved airlines. Known for its friendly service, affordable fares, free checked bags, and transparent pricing, the airline is a favorite among leisure and business travelers alike.
While Southwest operates a point-to-point network rather than the hub-and-spoke model used by legacy carriers, it has developed significant operational bases across the U.S.
Among these, Denver International Airport (DEN) stands out as the largest destination in its network. Despite its current prominence, Southwest has a relatively short history in Denver, recently celebrating its 19th anniversary at DEN.
Southwest’s Growing Presence in Denver
Today, Southwest Airlines is the second-largest carrier in Denver, following United Airlines. Its Denver operations are centered in Concourse C, while international arrivals use Concourse A, like all other international flights at DEN.
Southwest leases 34 gates at the airport and employs over 6,500 staff across multiple roles. The airline boasts an impressive 302 daily departures to 92 destinations at its peak. According to Cirium, Southwest scheduled 13,894 flights in January 2025, equating to 2,258,778 available seats.
Although Southwest leads its peers in DEN-based operations within its network, it lags behind United Airlines, which benefits from Denver’s status as a major hub. In January 2025, United scheduled 29,840 flights and offered 3,824,497 seats. However, Southwest has a far greater presence than Frontier Airlines, Denver’s homegrown ultra-low-cost carrier, which scheduled 3,370 flights and 669,772 seats during the same period.
A History of Resilience and Expansion
Southwest Airlines’ presence in Denver dates back to 1983 when it briefly operated out of Stapleton International Airport, DEN’s predecessor. Serving Phoenix and Albuquerque, the airline exited the market in 1985, citing high operating costs.
By 2006, market conditions had shifted, allowing Southwest to re-enter Denver International Airport. On January 3, 2006, the airline launched 13 daily nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Chicago Midway. These routes were an instant success, setting the stage for rapid expansion.
Even during the challenges of the 2020 global pandemic, Southwest continued to grow its Denver operations:
- 2022: 168,841 flights
- 2023: 194,816 flights
- 2024: 195,770 flights
This consistent growth underscores Denver’s importance within Southwest’s network.
Strategic Investments in Denver
Southwest has made substantial investments to strengthen its position in Denver:
- Maintenance Hangar: The airline recently opened a $100 million maintenance hangar on the airport’s north end. It joins United and Frontier, which have long operated maintenance facilities at DEN.
- Attempted Frontier Acquisition: In 2009, Southwest sought to acquire Frontier Airlines to accelerate its growth in Denver. However, the deal fell through due to unresolved pilot union agreements.
- Future Partnerships: Southwest has hinted at rolling out its Icelandair partnership in Denver, potentially expanding international connectivity from the Mile High City.
Denver’s Strategic Role in Southwest’s Network
Denver has become a vital part of Southwest’s operations, offering robust connectivity across its network. With 92 destinations served and plans for further innovation, Denver is poised to remain a cornerstone of the airline’s strategy.
Southwest Airlines has firmly established itself as a dominant player at Denver International Airport. From humble beginnings to becoming DEN’s second-largest carrier, Southwest’s growth reflects its commitment to connecting travelers while maintaining its hallmark affordability and service quality.
With continued investments and plans for future partnerships, Denver is set to play an even greater role in Southwest’s operations moving forward.
1. When did Southwest Airlines start operating in Denver?
Southwest initially served Denver in 1983 at Stapleton International Airport (DEN’s predecessor) but exited in 1985 due to high operating costs. It re-entered Denver International Airport on January 3, 2006, with 13 daily flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Chicago Midway.
2. Does Southwest Airlines operate a hub-and-spoke model?
No, Southwest operates a point-to-point network instead of the traditional hub-and-spoke model. However, it has significant operational bases, such as Denver International Airport (DEN), which function as key connecting points.
3. What is Southwest Airlines’ presence at Denver International Airport (DEN)?
Southwest is the second-largest carrier at DEN, with:
- 34 leased gates (primarily in Concourse C)
- Over 6,500 employees in various roles
- Up to 302 daily departures to 92 destinations
- Scheduled 13,894 flights in January 2025, offering 2,258,778 seats