You Heard Right, Folks: Denver Airport is Long. Like, Really Long.
We all know Denver International Airport (affectionately nicknamed DIA by the locals) is a big deal. It's massive, it's modern, and it's got those...interesting... gargoyle horses. But have you ever stopped to wonder exactly how big this airport is? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to take a deep dive into the surprising world of DIA's epic proportions.
The Long and the Short of It (Literally)
Denver boasts the longest public use runway in all of North America! Clocking in at a whopping 16,000 feet (that's over 3 miles!), runway 16R/34L is long enough to land a small spaceship... well, maybe not a spaceship, but definitely some pretty darn big airplanes. This runway is so long, it could practically double as a highway - though we wouldn't recommend rush hour takeoffs.
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But Wait, There's More!
The runway might be the headliner, but DIA's size doesn't stop there. The entire airport sprawls across a mind-boggling 52.4 square miles. To put that in perspective, that's:
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- Twice the size of Manhattan. You could fit all of those yellow cabs in a corner and still have room for a herd of those aforementioned gargoyle horses.
- Bigger than the entire city limits of Boston, Miami, or San Francisco. Basically, if you get lost at DIA, you're basically lost in your own mini-metropolis.
So, Why the Enormous Ego, DIA?
There are a couple of reasons why DIA decided to go big or go home. The high altitude of Denver means planes need extra runway length to take off and land safely. Plus, all that extra space gives the airport plenty of room for future expansion - maybe they're planning a landing strip for those spaceships after all?
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Fun Facts That May or May Not Be True
- DIA's runways are rumored to be built in the shape of a giant mustang, because, well, Colorado.
- The extra space is used to house a secret underground city for reptilian overlords... okay, that one's definitely not true (probably).
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| How Long Is Denver Airport |
How To: Navigating the Largest Airport in the Western Hemisphere (Without Getting Lost)
How to: Not get lost at DIA Quick Answer: Stick close to the signs and maybe download a map beforehand. That extra space can be a bit daunting.
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How to: Prepare for takeoff on runway 16R/34L Quick Answer: Unless you're a pilot, this one's a bit out of your hands. But hey, you can always pack some snacks for the extra-long ride.
How to: Tell if the reptilian overlords are real Quick Answer: Probably best not to worry about it. Focus on enjoying your trip to Denver!
How to: Measure the runway yourself (because why not?) Quick Answer: We don't recommend it. There are far better ways to spend your vacation time (like trying to decipher the murals inside the airport).
How to: Relax and enjoy the vastness of DIA Quick Answer: Grab a coffee, take in the mountain views, and marvel at the sheer scale of human engineering.
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