Denver, Mar 19: A sudden power outage at Denver International Airport caused major disruptions to flights and passenger movement on Wednesday morning, leaving thousands stranded during peak travel hours.
The incident began around 9:20 a.m., when a power failure affected key airport systems, including the train service that transports passengers between terminals and gates. Airport authorities confirmed that the outage led to a temporary ground stop, preventing incoming flights from landing.
Officials said certain areas of the airport remained without power for nearly two hours, creating widespread confusion among passengers. Large crowds were seen waiting at terminals, with many unable to reach their gates due to the suspension of train services.
Witnesses reported that boarding was halted for several flights, while basic facilities such as restrooms were also impacted. Images from inside the airport showed long queues and passengers waiting without clear updates.
The Federal Aviation Administration classified the disruption as an “equipment failure,” with the ground stop expected to remain in place until late morning. Airport authorities later confirmed that power was restored at around 11:04 a.m., after which operations gradually resumed.
The outage came at a particularly busy time, with increased passenger traffic due to the spring break travel season. Ongoing issues at U.S. airports, including long security lines linked to staffing concerns, further compounded the disruption.
Airport officials advised travelers to check with airlines for updated flight information and to arrive at least two hours before departure, warning that delays could continue as systems return to normal.
While operations have resumed, the incident has raised concerns about infrastructure reliability at one of the busiest airports in the United States, especially during high-traffic periods.