FAQs

Wondering about the ASE Modernization Project? Here’s some answers to commonly asked questions. If you need more information, please reach out through email to [email protected] .

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.

Preparatory work for the runway shift and reconstruction will begin in summer 2026. This enabling work will include initial staging activities to relocate Owl Creek Road and the adjacent bike path, as well as select utility work.

The Owl Creek Trail will be shifted up to 30 feet to the west over a length of about 1,800 feet, with construction anticipated in mid- to late summer 2026.

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 at aspenairport.com/construction

Subscribe to the monthly airport newsletter and our Frequent Flyer 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) .

The existing runway has reached the end of its useful life. Reconstructing it now improves reliability, meets current FAA safety standards and ensures ASE can continue serving the community for decades to come.

The runway is being reconstructed to meet current FAA safety standards for an Airplane Design Group III (ADG III). Today, ASE does not meet the required 400-foot separation between the runway and taxiway centerlines. Widening the runway to 150 feet and shifting it approximately 80 feet west brings the airfield into compliance and improves safety. We currently have a 95′ wingspan limitation. When the runway is reconstructed to meet FAA safety standards the wingspan limitation will be less than or equal to 118′.

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.

Rental cars will continue to be available during the 2027 airport closure. At this time, transportation options have not been arranged for the 2027 runway closure.

Commercial flights will operate through nearby regional airports during the 2027 closure. Local partners in coordination with the airport are coordinating shuttle service, transit, rental cars and other transportation options to help residents, visitors, employees and businesses stay connected.

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.

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

Restrooms redesigned to meet current ADA guidelines (including adult changing stations, wider stalls, and lower lavatories)

Listening loop in all hold rooms tied to the PA system with higher audibility

Accessible ramp redesign at terminal entrance

Meet current ADA guidelines by lowering handheld devices and equipment to include charging stations

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.

FAA Response: No. The FAA will not approve an ALP at ASE that does not meet the 400’ runway/taxiway separation standard. In 2013, Pitkin County submitted an ALP update showing 320’ runway/taxiway separation on the west side of the airfield. We responded with the following in the ALP approval letter:

The FAA’s approval of this ALP does not apply to the proposed runway/taxiway separation distance of 320’ on the west side of Runway 15/33. FAA is evaluating this nonstandard separation distance and will continue to coordinate the issue with Pitkin County.

The FAA approved the current ALP, submitted by Pitkin County, on May 17, 2016, which showed a path forward to meet the 400’ runway/taxiway separation standard. Pitkin County’s submission of the May 17, 2016, ALP demonstrates that is practical to meet standards at the existing airport site. The FAA will not approve any future ALPs that do not meet the 400’ runway/taxiway separation standard.