Passengers Sue Denver Airport Over Deadly New Year's Eve Runway Incident

Passengers aboard Frontier Airlines Flight 4345 plan to sue Denver International Airport following a deadly runway incident on New Year's Eve that killed a trespasser and injured dozens of travelers. Attorneys from Ramos Law and DJC Law filed a notice of claim with the City and County of Denver, seeking more than $10 million in damages over alleged security failures.

The incident occurred Dec. 31, 2024, when a 41-year-old man gained unauthorized access to the airfield by scaling the perimeter fence and entered an active runway as the Airbus A320 began its takeoff roll. The aircraft struck the individual, who authorities said intended to take his own life. The crew aborted takeoff and initiated an emergency evacuation, resulting in minor to moderate injuries for about a dozen passengers.

The lawsuit alleges Denver International Airport failed to provide adequate perimeter security, citing insufficient fencing and surveillance as contributing factors. While Frontier Airlines has not been named as a primary defendant, the legal action questions whether federal security standards were met at the airport.