Denver International Airport (DEN) is beginning work on a project that will modify its baggage handling system to allow greater flexibility in airline operations.
The Baggage Handling System project will construct a new baggage platform between levels 5 and 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal. While the work will have some impact on passengers in the baggage claim areas due to construction walls blocking portions of the carousels, the modifications will take place entirely behind the scenes. When complete, the new bag platform will enable airlines to intake bags from any point on level 6 and allow those bags to move into the appropriate area under the terminal where final bag screening and loading takes place.
These modifications will also enable baggage operating systems on the east and west sides of the terminal to work more efficiently, as well as provide redundancy for operating systems in the event of equipment outages. In addition, this project will allow for the consolidation of current ticketing and check-in areas.
Construction will involve the partial closure of individual baggage carousels throughout the work, which is expected to last through the end of 2019. During this time, signs and the digital display boards will be utilized to direct passengers to the appropriate location to collect checked bags and oversized items. Construction will take place in phases, beginning with baggage carousels seven and eight on the east side of the terminal. The airport is working closely with airlines to minimize any impacts to passengers.
“While the end result of this project will not be visible to the public, it will allow our baggage operations to run more smoothly and ensure we’re meeting the needs of DEN’s airlines and passengers now and in the future,” said Stu Williams, DEN’s senior vice president for special projects.
In 2016, an estimated 21.2 million bags were processed at DEN.
