FAQs

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will close Sunday, April 4, 2027, at 11:00 p.m. through Friday, November 19, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. to undergo the voter-approved infrastructure improvements to enhance safety, access, efficiency, and long-term operational reliability.

The 2027 closure will allow for the complete reconstruction of the existing runway to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. Construction of the new commercial passenger terminal and Fixed Based Operator (FBO) facility will also begin in April 2027. When the new ASE runway reopens in late 2027, commercial operations will continue in the existing terminal until the new terminal is completed in 2029. 

There are several ways to stay informed about the airport modernization project during the closure:

• Visit the project website for real-time updates

• Review regular construction bulletins

• Subscribe to the monthly airport newsletter and the project-specific newsletter

• Sign up for email and text alerts through PitkinAlerts

• Attend community briefings held during the temporary construction closure

• Participate in regular opportunities for public feedback

These resources are designed to keep the community informed and engaged throughout the project.

The runway reconstruction and shift are expected to be completed in November 19, 2027. When the airport reopens, passengers will continue using the existing terminal. The new terminal is anticipated to be completed by 2029, at which time the existing terminal will be deconstructed (2030). 

During the closure, travelers may use nearby regional airports for commercial service, including Denver International Airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport, Montrose Regional Airport, and Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport.

Rifle Garfield County Airport will also be available for general aviation (GA) flights.

At this time, transportation options have not been arranged for the 2027 runway closure. A group of community leaders are working to procure transportation options for the Roaring Fork Valley to and from other airports during the 2027 closure.

We want to do all we can to become as energy-efficient and environmentally conscious as possible. Lighting controls with self-dimming features when direct sunlight is coming into the terminal building. Water efficient plumbing fixtures to conserve water usage
Exterior windows will have better glazing and frames to help conserve HVAC usage
All LED, energy-efficient lighting
Mechanical upgrades for better thermal comfort, energy efficiency and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Reference our sustainability initiatives here.

Anticipated over five years, from 2025 to 2029, the phased project schedule is designed to minimize impacts to travelers, residents and local businesses. Design work has begun with the goal of limiting a full runway closure to a single construction season – scheduled to start April 4, 2027. The accelerated schedule is ambitious and enabling work is required to meet this expected timeline.

The total program cost is currently estimated at $575 million and is subject to change. Many project components are eligible for FAA funding; for example, the runway project may receive up to 90% of the total airfield project cost. Outside grant funding and revenue from the Fixed Base Operator private aviation lease will offset the amount of debt and local funding required from the existing airport enterprise fund. No new taxes or tax rate increases will be considered for this project.

While FAA grant funding may cover up to 90% of airside/runway costs, the project’s centerpiece is a new passenger terminal, which requires additional local funding without imposing any new tax or increasing any tax rate. On August 27, 2025, the BOCC approved a Ballot Issue Resolution to issue bonds for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Redevelopment.

To support redevelopment of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and construction of a new passenger terminal, voters approved Ballot Issue 1A during the November 4, 2025 election. The measure authorized Pitkin County to issue Airport revenue bonds not to exceed $340 million to help finance the project. Because the bonds are structured as revenue bonds, they are not repaid through property taxes and do not require any new taxes or tax rate increases. Instead, the bonds are to be secured and repaid from Airport Enterprise Fund revenues, including airport fees and charges and lease revenues, such as revenue generated through the Atlantic Aviation Fixed Base Operator (FBO) lease.

The current terminal building was built in 1976 and has not structurally been upgraded. The community visioning process agreed to ensure the airport remains accessible and functional for all travelers. while aligning with the Common Ground Recommendation with #1 being a safer, cleaner and quieter airport.

1. Restrooms redesigned to meet current ADA guidelines (including adult changing stations, wider stalls, and lower lavatories)
2. Listening loop in all hold rooms tied to the PA system with higher audibility
3. Accessible ramp redesign at terminal entrance
4. Meet current ADA guidelines by lowering handheld devices and equipment to include charging stations
5. Video screens at more accessible viewing angle

In 2024, a 30-year lease agreement was signed with Atlantic Aviation as the airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO). Revenues from this agreement are estimated to start at $20 million per year with revenue growth throughout the term of the lease. These funds which originate from both commercial and private aviation will contribute to the airport’s ability to secure and repay the bonds without any new taxes or tax rate increases.

The ASE Modernization project will require an increase in charges and fees for commercial airline operators, such as gate and landing fees, as well as increases in parking, rental car and other vendor lease fees. The estimated fee increases will be based on comparable market rates.