DENVER- Denver International Airport (DEN)employees are questioning CEO Phil Washington over expensive business-class flights for executives. The trip to a conference in Madrid cost the airport over $165,000, with one United Airlines (UA) ticket priced at $19,194.21.
Workers expressed concerns about the ethical implications of such high spending while frontline staff face budget constraints. Washington defended the decision, calling it an investment in leadership development.
At a quarterly town hall meeting for Denver International Airport (DEN) employees, an anonymous worker challenged CEO Phil Washington on the decision to approve expensive business class tickets for a three-day conference in Madrid.
The employee highlighted a $19,194.21 ticket, noting it “creates a rift in sentiment between frontline and senior leadership.
The trip, attended by Washington and eight executive staff members, cost approximately $165,000, averaging $18,000 per person for flights, conference fees, hotels, and meals on United Airlines (UA).
Washington defended the expenditure, emphasizing the conference’s value for professional developmen.
The aim, according to Washington, is to ensure future decisions reflect fiscal responsibility without compromising professional development goals.
Despite the controversy, Washington maintained his position, stating, “I stand by the professional development opportunity as an investment in our people that will pay off in the long run.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about transparency and equity at Denver International Airport (DEN).
