Colorado's Commercial Airports: A Comprehensive Overview

Colorado is a popular destination for thrill-seekers and adventurers all year round, with travellers flying in from all over the world. The state has 14 commercial airports, 13 of which offer commercial flights. Of these, 12 are regional airports, and one is an international airport. All 12 regional airports offer year-round daily flights to and from Denver International Airport (DIA), which is also the only airport in Colorado with international flights.

Colorado has 13 regional airports offering commercial flights

Colorado is a year-round destination for families, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax. With travelers flying in from all over, the state offers a variety of airports to suit different needs and locations.

The regional airports vary in size and the number of airlines operating from them. For example, the Colorado Springs Airport is the second busiest airport in the state, with four commercial airlines operating and offering nonstop flights to ten destinations. On the other hand, smaller airports like Cortez Municipal Airport have one commercial airline operating year-round, providing flights to three destinations.

These regional airports are strategically located to provide easy access to popular tourist destinations, such as ski resorts and national parks. For instance, the Eagle County Regional Airport is approximately 45 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to hit the slopes.

The regional airports in Colorado not only offer commercial flights but also provide a range of transportation options, including car and RV rentals, buses, and private shuttles, ensuring travelers can easily reach their final destinations.

Denver International Airport is Colorado's only international airport

Colorado has one international airport and 13 regional airports that offer commercial flights. Denver International Airport (DEN), locally known as DIA, is Colorado's only international airport. It is located 30 minutes from Historic Downtown Denver and 90 minutes from central Summit County. It is one of the nation's busiest airports, serving the greater Front Range Urban Corridor in Denver County, Colorado. The airport has more than 200 nonstop domestic and international destinations.

Denver International Airport is the international airport for the Western United States. It is where the Rocky Mountains meet the world. The airport has daily regional flights, car and RV rentals, and an RTD A-Line commuter rail to Union Station in Downtown Denver. It is also one of the largest domestic hubs in the U.S. and the nation's largest airport in terms of surface area.

Denver International Airport is easily recognisable due to its main terminal's design, which resembles the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The airport is located at an elevation of approximately 5,434′, making its runway one of the longest in the world at 16,001′ in length. It is also America's longest runway and the fifth longest in the world.

The 12 regional airports with commercial flights in Colorado provide year-round daily flights to and from Denver International Airport. These include Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, Cortez Municipal Airport, Durango-La Plata County Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport, Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Montrose Regional Airport, Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Pueblo Memorial Airport, San Luis Valley Regional Airport, Telluride Regional Airport, and Yampa Valley Regional Airport.

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is a small airport with winter runway closures

Colorado is a major year-round destination for families, adventure seekers, and folks looking to relax. The state has one international airport and 13 regional airports that offer commercial flights. All regional airports have flights to and from Denver International Airport (DIA).

One of these regional airports is Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field. It is a small, county-owned public-use airport located just 9 minutes from Aspen's historic district. The airport operates on a core set of community values: safety, health and well-being, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency.

The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport has a history of runway closures. In 2024, the airport underwent an 18-day spring closure for runway pavement maintenance, which was extended to 27 days in 2025. The runway pavement has been found to be in a state of disrepair, with "cracking, patching, and weathering" on the surface and severe degradation underneath. This has prompted concerns about the need for full reconstruction.

In addition to the scheduled closures, the airport has also experienced unexpected closures due to emergency repairs. In December 2024, a fire on the runway caused heat damage, leading to emergency repairs and cancelled or diverted flights. The fire occurred during late-night runway repair work, and the exact cause of the combustion is unclear. The closure allowed inbound aircraft without a diversion option to land and outbound aircraft to depart to avoid getting stranded.

Colorado Springs Airport is the state's second-busiest airport

Colorado is a major year-round destination for families, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax. The state has one international airport and 13 regional airports that offer commercial flights. All 13 regional airports have flights to and from Denver International Airport (DEN), with year-round daily flights.

The City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, also known as Colorado Springs Airport, is the second-busiest airport in the state. It is a city-owned public and civil-military airport, located around 12 miles from downtown Colorado Springs. The airport has a 12-gate terminal and two parallel runways. It is the ideal airport for those looking to avoid the metro traffic in Denver.

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado, and its airport makes the Pikes Peak Region easily accessible with car and RV rentals available nearby. The airport offers non-stop service to 10 destinations throughout the year, including Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), and Los Angeles (LAX).

The airport is conveniently located, with Manitou Springs just 24 minutes away, Castle Rock 55 minutes away, and the historic mining town of Cripple Creek 75 minutes away. Colorado Springs Airport is loved by many, offering the charm of Colorado's small(ish) airport, with a personal touch that makes it feel like a marriage proposal rather than a one-flight stand.

Colorado has more than 50 active airfields

Colorado is a year-round destination for families, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax. With travelers flying in from all over, the state offers a range of airports to suit different needs. Notably, Colorado has more than 50 active airfields, showcasing the state's robust aviation infrastructure.

The state boasts a diverse array of airports, from large international hubs to smaller regional gateways. Denver International Airport (DEN) stands out as the primary international gateway for Colorado. With its unique design resembling the Rocky Mountains, it is one of the nation's busiest airports, serving numerous domestic and international destinations. It is also Colorado's largest airport, featuring America's longest runway, spanning approximately 16,000 feet.

In addition to its international airport, Colorado offers a network of regional airports that provide convenient access to various destinations within the state. These regional airports are strategically located to serve popular tourist destinations and year-round outdoor recreation areas. For skiers and snowboarders, airports such as Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, Telluride Regional Airport, and Eagle County Regional Airport are convenient options, offering easy access to renowned ski resorts.

The Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, the state's second-largest airport, is another notable gateway. It serves as a convenient alternative for those looking to avoid the busier Denver Metro area. With a range of nonstop destinations and easy access to the Pikes Peak Region, it offers a compelling proposition for travelers.

Beyond these larger airports, Colorado's extensive collection of active airfields includes smaller regional airports such as the Cortez Municipal Airport, Durango-La Plata County Airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport, and Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. These airports cater to specific regions within the state, ensuring that travelers can reach their destinations efficiently.

Colorado's comprehensive airfield system, comprising over 50 active sites, ensures that visitors can easily access the state's diverse attractions. Whether arriving at a major international airport or a smaller regional gateway, travelers can take advantage of the state's robust aviation network to explore Colorado's natural wonders and vibrant cities.

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