The largest airport in North America is about to welcome the largest passenger aircraft in the world.

Denver International Airport announced in January it will welcome the Lufthansa Airlines Airbus A380 as it begins passenger flights between Denver (DEN) and Munich (MUC) this summer.

The first Airbus landed at DIA Wednesday. 

With a wingspan of more than 261 feet, 509 seats and a maximum takeoff weight of 633 tons, the German-operated giant ranks as the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

This will be a first for DIA as the A380 has never operated regularly scheduled commercial service from the Mile High City.

“Denver International Airport continues to lead the way as a world-class travel hub connecting Denver to the world,” said Mayor Mike Johnston in a news release. “As the new Airbus A380 takes to Denver’s skies, it reinforces our vibrant city’s status as a top-tier destination for business and leisure.”

The airport recently reported it had another record year, welcoming more than 80 million passengers for the first time within a full year.

Denver recorded 82 million passengers in 2024, according to DIA, up from 2023’s record by nearly 6%.

Flights will operate daily for the summer season, between April 30 through September 30.

Although Lufthansa is no stranger to Denver, the arrival of the A380 on a regular schedule is nod to the airport’s growing global presence.

“Next year marks the 10th anniversary of Lufthansa flights from Denver to Munich, as well as a total of 25 years serving the market out of Frankfurt,” said Dirk Janzen, vice president Passenger Airlines Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group. “With this in mind, the strategic placement of Lufthansa’s Airbus A380 aircraft on the Denver — Munich route certainly emphasizes the level of commitment that Lufthansa Group has towards Denver and the Rocky Mountain region.”

But the world’s largest aircraft need not worry about needing extra takeoff and landing room as DIA is home to longest commercial service runway in the U.S. measuring 16,000 feet.

According to airport officials, the A380 is slated to operate from Gate A41 on Concourse A.

Denver and Munich have a long-standing relationship, formalized by a Sister Airport agreement in 1991.

Nonstop flight from Denver to Germany’s third-largest city have operated since May 2016 with United Airlines adding flights in April 2022.

“This is a monumental occasion for DEN, in every sense of the word,” said airport CEO Phil Washington in the release. “We are grateful for Lufthansa’s continued investment in Denver and the increased capacity this aircraft will provide for the 100 million annual passengers we’re preparing to serve. We look forward to supporting them as they operate the world’s largest aircraft at DEN.”

The first and only operation of an Airbus A380 at DEN occurred in November 2018 when an Air France A380 diverted to DEN due to a medical emergency.