DENVER — In the wake of the novel coronavirus, the number of travelers moving through Denver International Airport’s security checkpoints has dropped more than 90 percent compared to this time last year.
After the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that non-essential traveling was not recommended, the number of passenger traffic dipped and is continuing to decline across the country.
During the week of March 30-April 3, DIA reported that TSA checkpoints were down about 94% from that same week in 2019. This lines up with current national trends, the airport said.
That statistic does not include connecting flights.
The novel coronavirus has impacted the airport in other ways as well. The following are closed:
· East Economy parking lot (now it’s employee parking only)
· North Security Checkpoint (South Checkpoint is open 24/7)
· Bag check at the Transit Center
· All airline lounges except the United B-East Lounge
· DEN Interfaith Chapel and Prayer Hall
· Multiple concessionaires (click here for an updated list)
· Final Approach (the cell phone waiting lot about three miles west of Jeppesen Terminal)
· Valet services
In addition, the bag check on 75th Avenue near the Pikes Peak parking lot will close on April 17.
The airport closed down one runway, leaving five in working order to handle current aircraft traffic.
The airport said it is aware of four employees who worked at the airport and tested positive for COVID-19. This does not include employees who work with businesses or contractors that operate at DIA. Those four individuals are all in isolation and notifications have been sent out to those who may have come in contact with them, the airport said.
