Airliners International Offers Airport Insider Tours: Sign Up Today!

Most aviation fans planespot at their favorite airport from a distance. But at Airliners International 2026 in Denver, you get to walk through the doors.

The AI tours program is one of the most popular parts of the show, and for good reason. This year, organizers have put together six tour destinations that take registered attendees behind the scenes at real airline operations, air traffic control facilities, and aviation museums.

Tours sold out within 15 minutes when booking opened. Waitlist spots are still available, and organizers are actively working to expand capacity. If something opens up, you'll hear about it by email.

Here's what's on the table:

United Airlines Training Center (UATC) sits right across from the show hotel. Three tour sessions will run throughout the event. Attendees walk the facility, learn how United trains its pilots, and may get a chance to step inside a flight simulator.

United Airlines Ramp Tower (UART) and SOC at DIA takes you to the airport itself. You'll see how United coordinates with air traffic control to manage aircraft on the ground, and you'll get views from the top of the airport that most people never see.

Denver ARTCC runs two-hour sessions on the north side of Denver. You'll watch a presentation on air traffic control, work through interactive scenarios in the training lab, and walk the control room floor while controllers manage live traffic overhead.

Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum holds a wide range of aircraft, motion simulators, and exhibits covering aviation history. It's a solid way to spend a few hours outside the convention hall.

The National Museum of WWII Aviation gives you a look at military aviation from more than 80 years ago. The museum houses WWII era aircraft, vehicles, and a flight simulator. West Pac Restorations is right across the street, actively restoring historic planes. The tour also includes a meal at The Airplane Restaurant.

Southwest Airlines Tech Ops opened in 2022. The facility includes a large maintenance hangar, training areas, and warehouse and office space supporting Southwest's Denver operation. You'll see how overnight maintenance works and learn what it takes to keep a fleet airworthy and on schedule.

To book a tour, you need a full AI 2026 registration, either the $75 or $150 option. Daily admission does not qualify. Tour fees help cover transportation and entry costs, and all tours are subject to change if security conditions shift or minimum group sizes aren't met.

The waitlist is open now at the link on the AI 2026 site. Click here to sign up.