Ep.25 – AMAC 360: Mile High Growth, Expectations – Herndon Aims to Elevate DEN Experience
Denver International Airport has grown to over 82 million total passengers, surpassing its pre-Pandemic total, and settling in as the fourth-busiest airport in the United States. Adding to the complexity is the fact that the 30-year-old facility is built to accommodate only 60% of those total passengers. But the airport sees opportunities. As DEN’s Chief Commercial Officer, Christopher Herndon takes aim at growing non-aeronautical revenues, elevating experiences, increasing flight connectivity, and more as the airport marches to its goal of 120 million annual passengers by 2045.
About Chris Herndon
Chris Herndon joined Denver International Airport in December 2025 and serves as Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he oversees the airport’s Concessions, Aviation Commercial Business Development, Business Operations/Procurement, and Business Technologies departments, supporting DEN’s continued growth as one of the world’s busiest and most innovative airports. He brings more than a decade of public-sector leadership and operational experience to DEN. He served 12 years on the Denver City Council, including as Council President, where he worked closely with city agencies, business leaders, and community stakeholders to advance major initiatives focused on economic development, infrastructure, and public-private partnership. In addition to his public service, he brings experience in retail and airline operations.
