So, if you’re currently sitting on a plane at Denver International Airport (DEN) wondering why the heck you’re not moving, you aren’t alone. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess today, Saturday, January 17, 2026. While the airport isn't in a total meltdown like those winter storms we saw back in December, there's definitely enough going on to make your travel day a headache.
What happened at Denver airport today basically boils down to a classic Colorado combination: gusty winds and a massive amount of construction that just won't quit.
FlightAware is already showing that Denver is leading the pack for delays today. We're looking at average departure delays of about 33 minutes and climbing. Some flights are seeing much longer waits. If you're on a SkyWest or United Express flight, you might be feeling it the most right now, with some regional hops running nearly an hour behind schedule.
The Wind Factor and Runway Realities
It’s not snowing—thankfully—but the wind is being a real pain. We’ve seen reports of gusty crosswinds all morning. While it's not enough to shut things down, it forces the FAA to space out landings and takeoffs.
Earlier this week, we saw what happens when Colorado winds get nasty. A private Cessna skidded off the runway over at Telluride, and while that’s a different airport, the same weather system is pushing through the Front Range today. At DEN, they're managing, but the flow is definitely "stuttering."
Currently, the FAA is reporting gate holds and taxi delays of about 15 minutes for most, but that’s the "official" number. Anyone who’s actually been in a taxi line at DIA knows that 15 minutes can easily turn into 40 once you're tucked behind a line of 737s.
The Great Hall Construction is Still... Happening
If you actually made it through security today, you probably noticed the maze. It’s unavoidable. The Great Hall Project is in its final phase, but "final" is a relative term in airport years.
- Check-in Shuffle: About 24 airline counters are still in their temporary homes on Level 5. If you went to Level 6 looking for your bag drop and found a wall of plywood, that’s why.
- Peña Boulevard Bottlenecks: This is the part that’s catching people off guard today. There is major reconstruction happening on the outbound lanes near Jackson Gap Street.
- Speed Traps: They’ve dropped the speed limit to 45 MPH. Cops are out there. Don't let a speeding ticket be the cherry on top of your delayed flight.
The airport is trying to hit its "Vision 100" goal—handling 100 million passengers—but right now, it feels like they’re trying to build a plane while flying it. The construction on the outbound ramps is expected to last through much of 2026, so get used to the orange cones.
Why DEN Still Matters (Despite the Chaos)
Look, despite the delays and the construction dust, Denver remains the spine of U.S. air travel. When DEN slows down, the East Coast feels it.
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I talked to a gate agent earlier who mentioned that the "ripple effect" is the real killer today. Because Denver is a massive hub for United and Southwest, a 30-minute delay here means a crew times out in Chicago or a plane is late for its turnaround in Phoenix.
The airport is also pushing hard on tech upgrades. They are currently testing new baggage handling systems and expanding gate capacity in the concourses. It’s all meant to stop these "minor" delays from becoming "major" ones in the future.
Survival Tips for Today
If you're stuck in the terminal right now, it's not all bad.
- Go find the CATS: The Canine Airport Therapy Squad is actually on duty today. Specifically, you might catch Winnie (a very good dog) over in Concourse B until 11:00 AM.
- Check the App: Don't trust the monitors 100%. The United and Southwest apps usually update five minutes faster than the big screens in the terminal.
- Peña Strategy: If you're being picked up, tell your ride to use the cell phone lot or take the back way via 56th Avenue. Peña is a parking lot near the Jackson Gap bridge.
Actionable Steps for Stranded Travelers
If your flight was one of the 60+ that have already been significantly delayed or canceled today, here is what you need to do:
- Rebook via App: Do not stand in the 200-person line at the "Customer Service" desk. You can usually snag the last seat on the next flight through the airline’s app before the person at the front of the line even speaks to an agent.
- Check Credit Card Benefits: If you're delayed more than 6 hours, many travel cards (like Chase Sapphire or Amex Platinum) will reimburse you for that $25 airport burger. Keep your receipts.
- Google the "Rule 240": While it's an old term, most airlines still have "Conditions of Carriage" that require them to put you on a competitor’s flight if they can't get you out within a reasonable timeframe, provided the delay is their fault (mechanical) rather than weather. Today is a mix, so it's worth a polite ask.
Bottom line: Denver is doing Denver things today. It’s windy, it’s under construction, and it’s crowded. Give yourself an extra hour, pet a therapy dog, and keep an eye on your phone.