Is the Denver airport called DIA or DEN?

Go to the website of any major airline. Type in the name of our airport — you know, D-I-A.

Andrew Kenney

Sep. 15, 2016, 12:08 p.m.

Go to the website of any major airline. Type in the name of our airport — you know, D-I-A.

What do you get? NOTHING. Southwest, United and Delta have no idea where DIA is.

That’s because the official abbreviation of Denver International Airport is DEN. It’s all over their official branding.

See? (Please don't sue me DEN) — See? (Please don't sue me, Denver International Airport)

But I’m not going to say that DIA is *not* the airport’s name. Locals have called it that for decades — I found examples in the Denver Post archive as far back as 1991, two years before the airport was opened.

I asked Heath Montgomery, airport spokesman.

DIA has “been part of our brand identity for a long time. I think it started when the airport was under development,” he said.

But also: “Our official brand is DEN, because our airport code forever has been KDEN. Really, the only people who call us DIA are the local audience.”

But with that being said, you’ll still catch the letters D-I-A on some marketing material, and they really don’t mind if you call them DIA.

Says the website: “At home, you can still call us DIA or you can choose to call us DEN, whichever you prefer.”

Aww.

A couple experiencing homelessness lives in this camp along Sand Creek. (Donna Bryson/Denverite)

Business and political figures have started to raise voices — and funds — to oppose Right to Survive

The initiative's backers say it's a matter of protecting the rights of people experiencing homelessness

Randy Russell sits beyond a police line. "Homeless sweeps" on Nov. 15, 2016. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)homeless; sweeps; denver rescue mission; police; justice; kevinjbeaty; denver; denverite; colorado; camping ban; right to rest;

Denver Democrats endorse Right to Survive

A Thrive Elements Collection home in Stapleton. (Donna Bryson/Denverite)

Stewards of Denver’s affordable housing program slammed if they don’t, slammed if they do

A major builder complains OED has made it too difficult for buyers to get homes.

A screen shot of Blucifer: The Doom Horse of Denver.

The Blucifer video game is ready for those of you who want to be Denver’s airport demon horse

Blucifer is "woke" and also the real Gossip Girl.

Boettcher Concert Hall. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

The Colorado Symphony wants a new concert hall

“The bottom line is: Whatever plan Next Stage comes up with will involve taking Boettcher Concert Hall down.”

Guinevere Vigil rides the half pipe in roller skates at Englewood's Cushing Park, Feb. 2, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Things to do in Denver this weekend, Feb. 15-17

Denver Public Schools Superintendant Susana Cordova sits in a packed room during negotiations with Denver's teachers union at the Denver Public Library, Feb. 12, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Here’s how Denver’s teacher pay debate went from fiery to collaborative and even a little silly

With the help of a federal mediator and a lot more attention and pressure, the teachers union found new superintendent Susana Cordova easier to work with.

Mayor Michael Hancock announces a city bill to increase minimum wage for city workers, Feb. 14, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Denver city workers and contractors are now on track to get a $15 minimum wage

The Hancock administration, City Councilwoman Robin Kniech and union organizers have proposed a new normal.

State House District 37 Rep. Tom Sullivan speaks at a press conference for a "red flag" bill that's being introduced in the state legislature, Feb. 14, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

With Democrats in control of the legislature, Colorado lawmakers revive red-flag bill

Legislators believe passing the “extreme risk protective order” will help reduce gun violence.

Lupe Lopez-Montoya greets students at Columbian Elementary School on Thursday after Denver's three-day teacher strike. (Eric Gorski/Chalkbeat)

Jubilation, and some confusion, as Denver schools begin their post-strike recovery

Denver teachers cheer as a live feed of a rally outside the Denver Public Library is fed inside to a negotiation room, Feb. 12, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Strike over: Denver school district, teachers union sign tentative pact raising teacher pay

The tentative deal gives teachers significant raises and a more traditional pay system, while keeping incentives for teachers at high-poverty schools that the district believes are essential.