DIA on-time departures rebound from meltdown in 2022
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Denver International Airport saw 81% of its flights depart on-time in December 2023, according to the latest federal data.
Why it matters: That represents a significant improvement from the 58% rating a year prior when winter weather led to a meltdown at DIA in large part because of problems at Southwest Airlines.
Yes, but: The still not a great number and continues to rank below the national average of 83%, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Kavya Beheraj report.
- In December 2022, Southwest's problems dragged the industry wide average down to about 70% for the month.
Between the lines: A variety of factors, from weather to issues at a particular airline, can affect each airport's on-time performance. Denver's weather to start the winter was far more mild than a year ago.
- Southwest CEO Robert Jordan told Axios Denver in September that the airline was better prepared for this winter and vowed not to let the miscues happen again.
The bottom line: 83% is pretty solid nationwide performance — especially during a month when winter storms can really mess with the entire air travel system.