Airports In Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide

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 12 regional airports with commercial flights provide year-round daily flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), locally known as DIA. These airports are spread around the Rocky Mountains and the Front Range, where most tourists go.

Colorado's 5 busiest airports

Colorado is home to numerous airports, some larger than others, and some more convenient for travellers than others. With over 70 airports in the state, here is a list of Colorado's 5 busiest airports:

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport (DIA) is not only Colorado's largest airport, but it is also the 10th busiest airport in the world and the 5th largest in the world by runway length. DIA is a hub airport for the US and for Colorado, with connecting flights to the state's regional airports. The airport is easily recognisable due to its main terminal's design, which resembles the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. It is also known for its size, being the largest in the US, and its prominent art installations.

Colorado Springs Airport

The City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport is a city-owned public civil-military airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Colorado Springs. It is one of the commercial business airports in the state, with several airlines flying in and out each day, including American Airlines, United Express, and Southwest Airlines. The airport has a 12-gate terminal and two parallel runways.

Grand Junction Regional Airport

The Grand Junction Regional Airport is the largest airport in western Colorado and the third largest in the state. It offers several commercial and charter flights, including direct flights to and from large airports such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Dallas. It is located less than a mile from Interstate 70 in Grand Junction and is about 2 hours away from popular destinations like Vail, Telluride, and Aspen.

Eagle County Regional Airport

The Eagle County Regional Airport is located in Gypsum, about 4 miles from Eagle and 37 miles from Vail. It is a popular airport for those travelling to Vail for skiing and other outdoor activities. The airport has a single runway, making it less crowded than others in the state. It is expected to become an international airport by 2023.

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport/Sardy Field Airport

The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field Airport, is a small airport located 3 miles northwest of Aspen's central business district. It offers plenty of commercial flights and is convenient for those visiting the Aspen/Snowmass area. The airport is known for its quick access, although the runways are more prone to closure during winter due to weather conditions.

Commercial and regional airports

Colorado has over 70 airports, 14 of which are commercial service airports, and 60 are non-commercial service general aviation airports. The state's largest airport is Denver International Airport, which is also the 10th busiest airport in the world and has been rated the best-run airport in North America.

Denver International Airport

This airport is located on the east side of Denver and is known for its immense size, being the largest in the US and one of the top five busiest. It is also easily recognisable due to its main terminal's design, which resembles the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The airport has prominent gate markings, a convenient tram system, and a variety of dining options, including quick options like Einstein Bagels and sit-down restaurants like Blue Sky Bar and City Pho. It also features lounges from American Express and United Airlines, with a Capital One lounge expected to open by the end of 2022. The airport has received international recognition for its public art collection and Colorado-inspired rotating exhibits.

Colorado Springs Airport

Colorado Springs Airport is a commercial business airport with several airlines flying in and out daily, including American Airlines, United Express, and Southwest Airlines. It has a friendly and helpful staff, tight security, and incredible scenery. The airport also offers dining options such as Mountain Vista Grille & Bar, The Airplane Restaurant, and the Bristol Brewing Company.

Grand Junction Regional Airport

The Grand Junction Regional Airport is located less than a mile from Interstate 70 in Grand Junction and is the largest airport in western Colorado and the third largest in the state. It offers several commercial and charter flights, including direct flights to large airports such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Dallas. The airport's restaurant, operated by Tailwind Concessions, offers "grab and go" sandwiches and hot meals.

Eagle County Regional Airport

Eagle County Regional Airport is located in Eagle County, approximately 45 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. It has a single runway, making it less crowded than other airports. The airport recently underwent a remodel, adding a new bar and restaurant in the main terminal. It is expected to become an international airport by 2023.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a small airport that offers plenty of commercial flights and is easy to get in and out of. It is a convenient place to fly to when visiting the Aspen/Snowmass area, but the runways are more likely to close during the winter due to weather. The airport's restaurant, Jedediah's, serves "grab and go" options like sandwiches and sit-down meals with flavours of the Old West, including breakfast burritos and burgers.

Telluride Regional Airport

Telluride Regional Airport is a small, single-runway airport in the San Miguel County area of Colorado. It is mainly used by private aircraft, but limited commercial services are also available through the Denver Air Connection. The airport offers stunning scenery, an observation lounge with WiFi and dining, and a gift shop.

Yampa Valley Regional Airport

Yampa Valley Regional Airport, found in Routt County, takes passengers to many places, including the Northwest Colorado area. It offers some Southwest Airlines flights and dining options like the 3 Wire Bar & Grill Restaurant.

Pueblo Memorial Airport

Pueblo Memorial Airport is serviced by United Airlines for connecting flights to Denver. Parking at this airport is free and easy, and its restaurant, Peter's In and Out, offers a unique outdoor patio for dining.

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport

The Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is a public airport in Broomfield, Colorado, with a variety of aircraft, including medical flights and other private aircraft. The airport is known for its caring staff and incredible views.

Aviation attractions

Colorado is home to 76 public-use airports, 14 of which are commercial service airports, and 60 are non-commercial service general aviation airports. The state also has 2 seaplane bases.

Some of the airports in Colorado include:

• Denver International Airport
• City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
• Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field Airport
• Grand Junction Regional Airport
• Durango-La Plata County Airport
• Eagle County Regional Airport
• Northern Colorado Regional Airport
• San Luis Valley Regional/Bergman Field Airport
• Yampa Valley Airport
• Cortez Municipal Airport

One of the top aviation attractions in Colorado is the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs. The museum is the only one in the world dedicated exclusively to exploring the role of aviation in World War II and how pilots and their support personnel changed the course of history. The museum features a 40,000 sq ft hangar with various restored aircraft, artefacts, personal stories, and exhibits. It offers self-guided and docent-led tours, providing detailed insights into the history and impact of WWII aviation. The museum is highly rated by visitors, who praise the knowledgeable docents, engaging exhibits, and restoration facilities.

Airport restaurants

Colorado is home to numerous airports, some of which are larger than others. While some states only have one or two airports, Colorado has over seventy, though many of these can only accommodate small private aircraft.

The largest airport in Colorado is Denver International Airport, which is also one of the top five busiest airports in the US. The airport boasts a prominent art collection and Colorado-inspired rotating exhibits. It also has several restaurants worth visiting, including Einstein Bagels, Blue Sky Bar, Cantina Grill, City Pho, and Elway's. There are also spots to grab a coffee, as well as several airline lounges.

The Colorado Springs Airport is another commercial airport in the state. It is home to restaurants such as Mountain Vista Grille & Bar, The Airplane Restaurant, and the Bristol Brewing Company. Security patrols the area, and staff members are courteous and helpful.

The Grand Junction Regional Airport offers several commercial and charter flights, including direct flights to and from large airports such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Dallas. The airport restaurant, operated by Tailwind Concessions, offers "grab and go" sandwiches and hot meals.

The Eagle County Regional Airport is located approximately 45 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. It has a new bar and restaurant in the main terminal. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport also offers plenty of commercial flights and has convenient parking. The airport restaurant, Jedediah's, serves "grab and go" sandwiches, wraps, and bowls, as well as sit-down meals, including breakfast burritos and burgers.

The Telluride Regional Airport is a small, public airport with stunning scenery. It has an observation lounge where guests can relax, use the WiFi, and grab a bite to eat.

Airports with the most flights

Colorado has over 70 airports, 14 of which are commercial service airports, and 60 are non-commercial service general aviation airports. With so many options, it can be challenging to determine which airport to fly into or out of. Here is some information about the airports with the most flights to help you decide.

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport (DIA) is the largest airport in Colorado and one of the top five busiest airports in the world. It is located on the east side of Denver and is easily recognisable due to its main terminal's design, which resembles the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. DIA is not just a hub airport for the United States but also for Colorado, offering connecting flights to the state's regional airports. The airport has a vast array of restaurants, lounges, and art installations for travellers to enjoy.

Colorado Springs Airport

Colorado Springs Airport is a commercial airport located 12 miles from downtown Colorado Springs. Airlines such as American Airlines, United Express, and Southwest Airlines operate flights to and from this airport. It is a small airport with a friendly and helpful staff, making it easy to navigate and find your gate. The airport also boasts incredible scenery and restaurants like Mountain Vista Grille & Bar, The Airplane Restaurant, and the Bristol Brewing Company.

Grand Junction Regional Airport

Grand Junction Regional Airport is the largest airport in western Colorado and the third largest in the state. It offers several commercial and charter flights, including direct flights to and from large airports such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Dallas. The airport has a restaurant operated by Tailwind Concessions, offering "grab-and-go" sandwiches and hot meals.

Eagle County Regional Airport

Eagle County Regional Airport is located in Eagle County, approximately 45 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek. It is easily accessible, with a single runway and a recently remodelled terminal. The airport has a new bar and restaurant in the main terminal. It is a popular choice for those travelling to Vail for skiing and other outdoor activities.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a small airport located in the Aspen area, providing convenient access to the Aspen/Snowmass region. It offers plenty of commercial flights and is easy to get in and out of. The airport's restaurant, Jedediah's, serves flavours of the Old West, with "grab-and-go" options and sit-down meals.

Telluride Regional Airport

Telluride Regional Airport is a small public airport in the San Miguel County area of Colorado. It offers stunning scenery and a comfortable observation lounge with WiFi, dining options, and a gift shop. This airport is mainly used by private aircraft, but limited commercial services are also available through the Denver Air Connection.

Frequently asked questions