Safety, quieter skies, cleaner air
Airport Modernization
Public Engagement
ASE will close April 4, 2027 – November 19, 2027 for runway reconstruction
Following years of planning and voter approval in November 2024, the ASE Modernization Project is currently in the Schematic Design phase of the Terminal Design process. The project's centerpiece is a new passenger terminal, designed to reflect the community-led "Common Ground Recommendations" adopted by the Pitkin County BOCC in December 2020.
View Construction UpdatesKey Project Milestones
- Design teams are in place: ZGF for the terminal, Kimley-Horn for the runway; design work is expected to complete by the end of 2026.
- Terminal Design and Multi-Modal Connectivity Task Forces were formed to bring community perspective into the design process.
- Three community open houses were held, along with two community surveys.
- The FAA committed funding for runway improvements, with roughly $40 million anticipated in the first year.
- An application was submitted for approximately $15 million in terminal funding through the FAA Airport Terminals Program (ATP).
- Voters approved Ballot Issue 1A, authorizing bond funding for terminal and airfield improvements.
- Kiewit Infrastructure was selected as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the runway reconstruction and shift project.
Project Background
What is modernization?
The core goals of the Modernization Project are to enhance safety, reduce noise impacts, and lower emissions. Modernization must become part of an Airport Layout Plan (ALP), a technical document used by the FAA to program funding for the airport.
Project Background
Why do we need modernization?
Aspen's terminal hasn't been renovated in almost 40 years. The FAA is also requiring the airport to update the airfield to comply with current safety standards.
Project Background
What led up to modernization?
Contemporary modernization efforts kicked off in 2019–2020 with a community-led process alongside FAA safety stipulations. Since opening in 1946, ASE has prioritized innovation — its 1976 terminal was the first commercial building in the country to use passive solar heating.
Airport Modernization question?
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