Telluride Airport: Does It Exist?

is there an airport in telluride

Yes, there is an airport in Telluride, Colorado. The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located 6-7 miles from the town of Telluride and is the highest commercial airport in North America. The airport sits at 9,070 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. It serves private and charter aircraft and has daily commercial flights to and from Denver. The airport has been recognised as an outstanding airport by the Colorado Pilots Association. However, due to its high elevation and proximity to mountains, some travellers find flying into Telluride challenging or even terrifying. The airport is also subject to weather conditions, which can impact flight operations.

Characteristics Values
Name Telluride Regional Airport
Location 1500 Last Dollar Rd, Telluride, Colorado
Airport Code TEX
Altitude 9,070 feet above sea level
Commercial Status North America's highest commercial airport
Distance from Telluride 5-7 miles
Travel Time to Telluride 7-12 minutes
Hours of Operation 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, 365 days a year
Aircraft Operations (2019) 9,402 (average 26 per day)
Aircraft Based at Airport (2019) 27
Runway Length 7,111 feet
Runway Width 100 feet
Runway Renovation $24 million in 2009
Aircraft Serviced Private, Charter, and Commercial
Airlines United, Boutique Air, Denver Air, Great Lakes Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Monarch Airlines, etc.

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Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located 1000' above a mesa and has breathtaking views

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located on a mesa, 1,000 feet above the ground, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. The airport is situated seven to eight miles from the town of Telluride, providing easy access to the town and Mountain Village. With an elevation of 9,070 feet above sea level, it holds the distinction of being North America's highest commercial airport.

The airport's runway is positioned on a plateau, presenting a unique and beautiful approach for pilots. The runway underwent a significant renovation in 2009, addressing a notorious dip in the centre and expanding its length. This renovation, along with subsequent improvements, allowed for the accommodation of larger aircraft.

Telluride Regional Airport caters to private and charter aircraft, as well as commercial flights. It is recognised as an outstanding airport by the Colorado Pilots Association. The airport offers various amenities, including ground transportation, a pilot lounge, gourmet catering upon request, charter air services, and overnight hangar rentals.

The airport's operating hours are from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm daily, and it is open 365 days a year. Aircraft and Pilot Service hours vary slightly throughout the year, with extended hours during certain periods. The airport's proximity to Telluride makes it a convenient option, especially when weather conditions are favourable.

However, it is important to note that the airport experiences strong vertical turbulence and is affected by high winds and snowfall. Pilots need to be cautious due to the unique challenges posed by the airfield's high elevation and location on a plateau. Despite these considerations, Telluride Regional Airport provides a stunning and memorable flying experience, with its breathtaking views serving as a highlight for visitors.

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The airport is only 5-8 miles from Telluride and is open 365 days a year

Yes, there is an airport in Telluride. The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located just 5-8 miles from Telluride and is open 365 days a year, from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Aircraft and Pilot Service hours are from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, except from November 1st through March 31st, when the hours are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Sitting at 9,070 feet above sea level, Telluride Regional Airport is the highest commercial airport in North America and the 10th highest in the world. The airport offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and is known for its challenging approach for pilots due to its high elevation and location on a plateau.

The airport caters to private and charter aircraft, as well as commercial flights to and from Denver, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. It provides various amenities, including ground transportation, a pilot lounge, gourmet catering upon request, charter air services, overnight hangar rental, and free WiFi.

Telluride Regional Airport is a convenient option for travellers, especially those staying near the Telluride Ski Resort, as it bypasses the costly shuttle rides associated with other airports in the region. However, it is important to note that the airport is weather-dependent, and flights may be diverted elsewhere during adverse conditions, such as high winds or snowfall.

Travellers should also be aware that Telluride Airport is a small airport with limited flight options and higher costs compared to nearby alternatives like the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which is about 65-70 miles away and offers more choices in terms of airlines and flight schedules.

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It is North America's highest commercial airport at 9,070 feet above sea level

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located at 9,070 feet above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport in North America. It is recognised by the Colorado Pilots Association as an outstanding airport. The airport is situated on a 1,000-foot mesa, offering breathtaking views of Telluride and the San Juan Mountains. The runway sits on a plateau and, despite renovations to level it, still has a slight dip in the centre. This, along with the high elevation, makes for a challenging but beautiful approach for pilots.

The airport is only seven to twelve minutes from the town of Telluride, which is a much more convenient option than flying into a larger airport further away. The airport is open 365 days a year from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, with aircraft and pilot service hours from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, except from November 1st to March 31st, when the hours are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The airport caters to private and charter aircraft, as well as commercial flights to and from Denver on United.

Telluride Regional Airport covers 542 acres and has a single runway, 9/27, which is 7,111 by 100 feet. The runway was renovated in 2009 at a cost of $24 million, during which the notorious dip in the centre was removed and the runway was lengthened. In 2010, the airfield's safety areas were widened, and an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) was installed to allow larger aircraft to utilise the airport.

The airport has been served by several airlines over the years, including Mesa Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Great Lakes Airlines, Boutique Air, and Key Lime Air operating as Denver Air Connection. However, the airport is often affected by adverse weather conditions, and flights may be diverted elsewhere. Additionally, the high elevation and proximity to mountains can make flying into Telluride a terrifying experience for some passengers.

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The airport is served by private and charter aircraft, as well as commercial flights

Yes, there is an airport in Telluride, Colorado. The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located 1,000 feet above the town of Telluride on a mesa, offering breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. The airport is just 5-7 miles from the town of Telluride and Mountain Village, making it a convenient option for travellers.

In addition to private and commercial flights, charter aircraft services are available at Telluride Regional Airport. An example of a charter service is a Lear jet from Los Angeles to Telluride, providing a convenient option for those travelling to the Telluride Ski Resort.

The airport is open 365 days a year from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, with aircraft and pilot service hours varying slightly throughout the year. It is important to note that the airport is weather-dependent, and adverse landing conditions during winter months can result in diverted flights. Pilots must also be aware of the unique challenges posed by the airfield's high elevation and location on a plateau.

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Flying into Telluride can be more expensive and weather-dependent than other airports

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located 9,070 feet above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport in North America and the 10th highest in the world. While the airport offers breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, its high elevation and location on a plateau surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks present unique challenges for pilots.

Due to these geographical factors, flying into Telluride can be more expensive and weather-dependent than other airports. In the past, about 20% of scheduled commuter airline flights were diverted to other airports due to adverse landing conditions. Strong vertical turbulence and winds can also affect the approach and landing, making it a challenging airport for pilots.

The airport is also relatively small, serving primarily private and charter aircraft, with limited commercial flights. It is open year-round, but the operating hours vary seasonally, and there may be seasonal fluctuations in the number of flights.

Additionally, the airport's location on a 1,000-foot mesa means that it experiences strong vertical turbulence and is sensitive to weather conditions. The airport is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is no snow removal at night, which can impact early morning operations during winter.

For these reasons, some travellers opt for alternative airports such as Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), or Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). These airports offer more choices for airlines and are less affected by weather conditions, providing more reliable options for travellers visiting the Telluride region.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is an airport in Telluride, Colorado. The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is recognised by the Colorado Pilots Association and sits 9,070 feet above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport in North America.

The airport is located 5-7 miles from the town of Telluride and Mountain Village, with a travel time of around 7-12 minutes.

Some travellers opt for the Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) which is 65-70 miles away. Other airports within 2.5 hours include Grand Junction (GJT), Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) and Gunnison.

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