Denver International Airport was the fifth busiest airport in the country and 10th busiest in the world last year, according to an analysis of passenger traffic at the world’s 30 busiest airports.

DIA also posted one of the largest increases in passenger traffic of any of those airports, according to a press release from the airport today.

DIA recorded 47.3 million passengers in 2006, a 9.1 percent increase over 2005. That increase was more than all but Beijing and Jakarta.

"From a bragging rights standpoint, it’s nice to say we’re fifth in the country and 10th in the world again," said Manager of Aviation Turner West. "But when you compare our passenger increases to other airports in the world like this, it really hits home that we have to continue to look at how we will meet our growth demands in the coming years.

"Once again, that comes back to updating our master plan and visiting with all of our airline partners to better understand their needs."



DIA concluded 2005 as the sixth-busiest airport in the country and 11th in the world.