A pedestrian was killed on May 9, 2026, after being struck by a Frontier Airlines plane during takeoff at Denver International Airport, according to multiple news outlets. The aircraft was carrying passengers when it hit the individual on an active runway, triggering an emergency response and a temporary disruption to airport operations.

Air traffic control audio captured tower controllers responding to the incident in real time. The plane reportedly suffered engine damage, consistent with an engine fire, as a result of the strike. The aircraft was able to return safely, and no passengers or crew were reported killed.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified the pedestrian, who is believed to have been trespassing on the airfield. How the individual accessed the secured runway area remains under active investigation by airport officials and federal authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and the incident has intensified scrutiny of perimeter security protocols. Officials have not said how long the person may have been on airport grounds before the collision occurred.

Frontier Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the incident and said it is cooperating fully with investigators. The FAA is expected to lead a formal investigation into both the circumstances of the runway breach and the aircraft's airworthiness following the engine damage.