DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT stands out among the rest, not only for its iconic tented architecture resembling the majestic, snowcapped Rocky Mountains but also for its sheer size, unique art exhibits, solar energy system and many accolades.

Some 1,500 commercial flights to 180 non-stop destinations depart DEN daily, and 10 new destinations were added since Jan. 1, 2017, including Long Beach, Calif. (LGB); Belize City, Belize (BZE); Pensacola, Fla. (PNS); Columbia, Mo. (COU); Providence, R.I. (PVD); London Gatwick (LGW); and Cozumel, Mexico (CZM). Recent carriers added include Norwegian Air in September and Copa Airlines in December, and Edelweiss will join in June. United Airlines also plans to grow its hub at DEN to 400 daily departures in 2019, potentially pushing it ahead of other hubs to become the second-busiest.

With 53 square miles of land, DEN is one of the few major U.S. airports with room to expand its current facilities. With six runways, including one measuring 16,000 feet — the longest commercial runway in North America — and room for an additional six, the airport has the opportunity to plan ahead and avoid the overcrowding plaguing airports across the country and around the world. In 2016 DEN saw a record-breaking 58.3 million passengers, an 11 percent increase year over year, ranking the airport the third-fastest-growing airport in the world behind only Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Delhi (DEL).

Rapid passenger growth drives big projects at DEN, including a $650 million renovation of the terminal building and a $65 million gate expansion project with 39 additional gates installed by 2021. In order to accommodate the projected 80 million passengers by 2030, though, the airport has work to do above and below ground.

Following significant delays during Thanksgiving, the airport announced plans to increase capacity and reliability of the underground trains that ferry passengers between concourses. The Denver City Council will sign a new contract with Bombardier Transportation Holdings USA, the current train operator, worth nearly $162 million. The contract will add 15 new employees devoted to operations and maintenance, trains and tracks.

In less serious news, the airport made headlines in November with the opening of a restaurant and bowling alley by Punch Bowl Social in the defunct Stapleton International Airport, the city’s primary hub 1929–1995. The venue offers bowling, karaoke, diner-style food and a cocktail bar.

Back at DEN, travelers welcomed the new Smashburger restaurant, a Colorado-based company, in Concourse C in November, and a second will follow in Concourse B this spring. Also coming this year is the highly anticipated Denver Central Market, with 17 new shops and restaurants including Vero Italian, SK Provisions, Curio Bar and Izzio Artisan Bakery. The high-end restaurants will open in Concourse A. Those looking for a way to unwind between flights can enjoy a private yoga session at the newly opened Yoga on the Fly in Terminal 3.

In addition to being one of the best airports for food and fitness, the airport was recognized several times in 2017 for its projects and operations, including an Outstanding Sustainability Infrastructure Development award for the Hotel and Transit Center, a No. 5 ranking among mega airports from J.D. Power, and No. 2 and No. 3 rankings for Best Regional Airport and Best Airport Serving 50–60 million passengers from Skytrax, respectively.