An airport in the United States has become the subject of numerous wild and bizarre conspiracy theories.
Flying can already be a daunting experience, given the reality of traveling at high speeds in a metal tube powered by fossil fuels.
As planes sit on the runway, ready to take off, the sound of hopeful prayers fills the air—not only from passengers but also the pilot.
However, if you find yourself at Denver International Airport, you might have more to worry about than just snagging a deal in the duty-free or whether your liquids exceed security limits.
The airport is associated with not just one or two, but multiple outlandish theories and beliefs.
Let’s delve into some of the more peculiar ones.
One of the most enduring theories about the airport involves the layout of its runways.
Some conspiracy theorists suggest that the runways are configured to resemble a swastika—the symbol that was appropriated by the Nazis—when viewed aerially.
While a glance at Google Maps does show a design that, under certain interpretations, might resemble a swastika, with four runways extending outward like a pinwheel around the terminal, the actual purpose is more practical. This design allows for safer takeoffs and landings by accommodating various wind conditions.
The airport’s most famous figure is a towering blue mustang statue that stands prominently at the entrance, reminiscent of something from the fictional Dothraki city in Game of Thrones.
Positioned on Peña Boulevard, this 32-foot-tall statue is notable for its eerie red eyes, which some claim allude to the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Indeed, the statue’s eyes do glow at night, adding to its daunting presence.
Tragically, in 2006, a portion of this sculpture fell during construction, fatally injuring the 65-year-old artist Luis Jiménez when it severed an artery.
No collection of conspiracy theories would be complete without the mention of lizard people.
This theory is linked to a series of tunnels beneath the airport, as it’s rumored that these tunnels could be housing everything from reptilian humanoids and aliens to secret government facilities.
Some even believe these spaces could serve as sanctuaries for the elite in the event of an apocalypse.
Originally, these tunnels were intended to accommodate an automated luggage handling system. However, the system failed, leaving these tunnels unused.
Today, they are simply inhabited by rats, mold, and the fictional slumbering Cthulhu.
The runways aren’t the only aspect of the airport’s architecture that has intrigued conspiracy theorists.
Gargoyles perched over the luggage area have sparked further speculation, despite their intended purpose of safeguarding the bags.
At one time, a massive statue of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god, also stood at the airport, intensifying occult-related theories.
This leads to our concluding topic…
Denver International Airport has embraced its reputation, playing into the various theories surrounding it.
Signage around the airport playfully engages travelers with questions like, “What are we doing behind this wall? Adding new restaurants … or hiding the Illuminati?”
Two animatronic gargoyles greet visitors, humorously referring to the airport as ‘Illuminati Headquarters … I mean, Denver International Airport’.
These playful touches are part of a larger renovation project that is expected to be completed by 2027.
The airport has even introduced ‘The Den Files’, a nod to the X-Files, focusing on their favorite conspiracy notions.
While the airport leans into the conspiracy culture—DOMINUS IGNIS DE VIA CAELI RESURGET—the evidence suggests there’s nothing truly suspicious occurring here.