Denver International Airport to begin baggage handling system upgrade

Denver International Airport (DEN) in the US is set to commence work on a project to upgrade its baggage handling system.

Designed to enhance flexibility in airline operations, the project will involve the construction of a new baggage platform between level five and six of the Jeppesen Terminal at DEN.

The project is expected to affect the movement of passengers in baggage claim areas as the construction walls would block portions of the carousels.

Once completed, the new baggage platform will allow airlines to obtain luggage from any point on level six and move it under the terminal for final bag screening and loading procedures.

DEN’s modified baggage handling systems on the east and west sides of the terminal will work with improved efficiency and provide redundancy for operating systems in case of equipment failures.

As part of the new project, ticketing and check-in areas will also be consolidated.

DEN special projects senior vice-president Stu Williams said: “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.”

The project will be carried out in phases, starting with baggage carousels seven and eight on the east side of the Jeppesen Terminal.

Construction work is expected to last through the end of 2019.

Last year, approximately 21.2 million bags were processed at the airport.