According to a report from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the state’s airports contribute $68.9 billion to the state’s economy.
The report from the CDOT Division of Aeronautics evaluated the economic contributions airports have made to the state since 2020. Analysts determined the state’s 66 public-use airports saw a 42 percent increase in annual business revenue between 2020 and 2025, while supporting 348,500 jobs with a total payroll of $23.5 billion, and contributing $40.3 billion in value added benefits.
“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,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said.
The 2025 CEIS evaluated the impact of on-airport activities and visitor spending at each participating airport, and studied the role airports play in facilitating air cargo operations, economic growth, and the state’s agriculture industry.
“This crucial study underscores the vital importance of airports and air travel for communities large and small throughout Colorado,” Colorado Aeronautical Board Chair Kent Holsinger said.
The report also looked at tax revenues generated by aviation-related activities and the economic contribution of Denver International Airport.
“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.