Denver International Airport is busy. Like, really busy. In April, it was ranked as the third-busiest airport in North America and the sixth-busiest in the world. While that can be annoying when you’re trying to get through security, that bustle also brings good news for travelers: A surge of concessions—including many local restaurants—are opening, and there are a number of exciting nonstop flights taking off.

Make sure your passport is up-to-date. Here are six new destinations for Coloradans to explore without having to deal with a frustrating layover.

Jump Ahead:

Read More: The Best Food and Drink at Denver International Airport

Moab, Utah

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Getty Images
  • Debuted: April 1
  • Airline: Contour Airlines
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Availability: Daily, year-round

Contour, a regional carrier, is a new airline for DIA, and it’s already added two new destinations—Moab and Vernal, Utah—with more to come (scroll down). Now, Coloradans can reach the red-rock mecca by car, train, or plane.

While You’re There: Join a Trails & Tales event. The monthly hiking series—which runs April through June and September through November—combines scenic outings with conversations about the natural surroundings and cultural heritage of Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About National Park Timed-Entry Reservations This Summer

Rome, Italy

Rome from the terrace of the Aventine Hill gardens; St. Peter’s Basilica on the horizon
Rome from the terrace of the Aventine Hill gardens; St. Peter’s Basilica on the horizon. Getty Images
  • Debuted: May 1
  • Airline: United Airlines
  • Duration: 10.5 hours
  • Availability: Daily, seasonal (May 1–September 24)

Italy was a clear hole in DIA’s overseas route map, but that changed with the launch of this flight last month. Though the Eternal City isn’t part of the group of host cities for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy will certainly be top-of-mind for travelers next year (as if the pasta, gelato, shopping, and gorgeous coastline weren’t already a draw).

While You’re There: Sure, you have to hit the top tourist spots, like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, but you also need to have quintessential Roman food experiences. Follow esteemed Colorado sommelier Bobby Stuckey’s advice and visit Ristorante la Campana for cacio e pepe.

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Queen Elizabeth II Gardens in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina
Queen Elizabeth II Gardens in front of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building in Regina. Getty Images
  • Debuted: May 15
  • Airline: United
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Availability: Daily, year-round

The addition of a direct flight to Regina—the capital of Saskatchewan—means Coloradans can now easily reach six of Canada’s 10 provinces. Fun fact: Our neighbor to the north is also the state’s second largest international market.

While You’re There: The city claims one of the largest urban parks in North America, Wascana Centre; kayak on the lake or, if the weather turns, take a spin through the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

Taos, New Mexico

Ancient dwellings in Taos Pueblo
Ancient dwellings in Taos Pueblo. Getty Images
  • Debuting: June 26
  • Airline: Contour
  • Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Availability: Three days per week (Monday, Thursday, and Sunday), year-round

A small 30-seater will take travelers to one of the jewels of the Southwest. The flight is the first to connect Taos to a large U.S. hub airport.

While You’re There: Learn about Taos’ Indigenous communities with a visit to Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years, and relax in the natural hot springs those communities discovered centuries ago.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Bavaro beach in Punta Cana
Bavaro beach in Punta Cana. Getty Images
  • Debuting: October 26
  • Airline: United
  • Duration: 5.5 hours
  • Availability: Daily, year-round (between August 18 and October 24, there will be a Saturday-only flight)

Beach-seekers know that getting to the Caribbean from Denver can be an exhausting mission. With the addition of Punta Cana, DIA will now offer four direct Caribbean routes (the others: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Nassau, Bahamas), which makes that sun and sand vacay a little easier to achieve.

While You’re There: Plan for a lot of nothing—in a good way. The island is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water, which calls for disconnecting with a good book. Take a break from the sun with a rum distillery tour.

Mexico City, Mexico (Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles)

Alameda Central city park and Palacio de Bellas Artes
Alameda Central city park and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Getty Images
  • Debuting: November 20
  • Airline: Viva
  • Duration: 3.5–4 hours
  • Availability: Twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), year-round

Mexico is Denver’s largest international market, so another flight south of the border will be welcomed by travelers. While a number of airlines, including Aeromexico, Delta, and Frontier (and, starting on October 26, United), already fly to Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez, Viva, an ultra-low-cost carrier, is adding Mexico City’s new international airport to DIA’s roster.

While You’re There: You can’t visit Mexico City without picking up a guava roll from the esteemed Panaderia Rosetta (expect to wait in line), exploring the Museo Frida Kahlo (reserve tickets in advance), and taking a day trip to Teotihuacán, the most significant pre-Aztec city in Mexico (the more adventurous can view it from a hot air balloon).

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.