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Council rejects Key Lime Air lease at DEN after members cite deportation concerns
Summary
Denver City Council voted to reject a ground‑space lease for Key Lime Air at Denver International Airport, with several council members citing reported deportation flights tied to the carrier and questions about airport grant constraints. The measure failed after extended debate.
Denver City Council on Dec. 15 voted down a proposed ground‑space lease with Key Lime Air at Denver International Airport after a prolonged debate over allegations that the carrier has participated in deportation flights.
The resolution (Council Resolution 25‑19‑38) would have approved a ground lease for approximately 1,200 square feet on the south cargo apron so Key Lime Air could store equipment. Councilmember Flynn said a lease would make the airline pay for exclusive use of the concrete apron; without a lease they would continue using common areas free.
Councilmember Gilmore urged colleagues to vote no, saying she had been following reporting that the carrier is involved in “illegal deportations” and arguing the city should not expand space for a vendor whose operations raise constitutional and human‑rights concerns. “There is no way ethically or morally that I can vote affirmatively on this expansion of space,” she said.
Several council members cited information they had been given or asked city staff and the auditor’s office to research. Councilmember Parady said the airport receives large FAA grants that include non‑discrimination clauses obliging equal access for carriers; other members said that if the city was willing to forfeit FAA funding, it could take a stronger stance. Councilmember Flynn argued voting down the lease would simply shift Key Lime Air to common apron space and reduce city revenue.
Airport staff said Key Lime Air has operated at Denver since about 2006 and explained the narrow scope of the lease — storage space on the apron — and that the airport had offered briefings to council. DEN’s government‑affairs representative said the airport had fielded questions and was willing to provide further briefings.
After roll‑call voting the clerk announced 11 nays and the resolution failed. The transcript records multiple requests by council members for follow‑up information from DEN and the auditor’s office about flights and grant conditions.
Council members who opposed the lease said they want to avoid appearing to endorse or fund deportation operations; those who supported it framed the vote as a narrow property/lease decision tied to airport grant obligations and revenue.
