Roberta Aguirre
Telluride Regional Airport is a public airport located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. It is recognised as one of the most scenic airports in the US, with its runway perched on a plateau surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains. The airport was conceived in the 1970s and opened in 1984, with Mesa Airlines introducing the first commercial airline service to Telluride in December 1985.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Construction | 1984 |
| Location | Six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States |
| Elevation | 9,078 feet (2,767 meters) above sea level |
| Runway | 9/27, 7,111 by 100 feet (2,167 by 30 meters) |
| Area | 542 acres (219 hectares) |
| Owner | Telluride Regional Airport Authority |
| Airlines | Denver Air Connection, Boutique Air, Mesa Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Great Lakes Airlines |
| Notable Features | High altitude, challenging approach, surrounded by mountains, one runway, EMAS system |
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What You'll Learn
Telluride Regional Airport opened in 1984
The Telluride Regional Airport, located in San Miguel County, Colorado, first opened its doors in 1984. The airport, which is perched atop Dove Creek Mesa, was conceived in the 1970s through a planning study by the town of Telluride. It is situated about six miles west of the town, on land that was once a sheep ranch operation.
Upon its opening, the airport attracted immediate interest from airlines, and three carriers began operating flights using small aircraft like Dash 8s, Dash 7s, and Beech 1900s. The airport's elevation of 9,078 feet (some sources state 9,069 feet or 9,070 feet) above sea level makes it the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights. This elevation, combined with its location on a plateau surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains, presents a unique set of challenges for pilots, including strong updrafts, turbulence, and visual illusions.
The runway at Telluride Regional Airport, designated as 9/27, is approximately 7,000 feet long (some sources state 7,111 feet) and 100 feet wide. It features a distinctive concave shape, with a dip in the middle, earning it the nickname "The Dip" among pilots. This design, a result of the natural shape of the mesa, made landings challenging and added to the airport's reputation as one of the most dangerous and scenic airports in the United States.
In 2009, the runway underwent a $24 million renovation project to address this issue. The project lowered the west end of the runway by 30 feet and the east end by 14 feet, filling in the centre to eliminate the concave section. This renovation also added 41 feet to the length of the runway and included the construction of retaining walls along the sides. Additionally, the airfield's safety areas were widened to 250 feet, and an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) was installed, further enhancing safety.
Telluride Regional Airport has continued to evolve, attracting various airlines and offering scheduled passenger services. It has become a gateway to the world-class ski resort and year-round events in Telluride, contributing to the region's economic development and the growth of home ownership in the area.
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The airport is located 6 miles west of Telluride
The Telluride Regional Airport is located 6 miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. The airport is perched on a plateau surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains, making it one of the most scenic airports in the US. It is also recognised as one of the most challenging airports to fly into due to strong updrafts, turbulence, and its one-way in/one-way out runway.
The airport sits at an elevation of 9,078 feet (some sources state 9,069 or 9,070 feet) above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights when services were resumed in 2016. The airport covers 542 acres of land and has a single runway, 9/27, which measures 7,111 feet long by 100 feet wide (some sources state 6,911 feet long). The runway is located on a mountainside plateau, with thousand-foot cliffs on both ends that drop into the San Miguel River Valley below.
Prior to a renovation in 2009, the runway at Telluride Regional Airport had a notorious dip in the middle, making it even more challenging for pilots to land. The renovation project, costing $24 million, involved lowering the west end of the runway by 30 feet and the east end by 14 feet, filling in the centre with the removed material, and adding 41 feet of length. Retaining walls were also built, and the airfield's safety areas were widened from 150 feet to 250 feet. An Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS) was installed, allowing larger aircraft to utilise the airport.
Telluride Regional Airport is owned by the Telluride Regional Airport Authority and is served by a variety of airlines, including Boutique Air, Denver Air Connection, and Key Lime Air. The airport has a rich history, with efforts made to make it financially viable and improve its safety and accessibility. It is recognised as a world-class ski resort and a popular destination for private business jets and general aviation.
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Runway renovation in 2009 cost $24 million
Telluride Regional Airport (IATA: TEX, ICAO: KTEX, FAA LID: TEX) is a public airport located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. It is perched on a plateau surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains and is known for its challenging approach due to fierce mountain winds and downdrafts.
In 2009, the airport underwent a significant runway renovation costing $24 million. The project addressed the notorious "Dip" in the runway, a concave middle section that made landing similar to landing on an aircraft carrier. To eliminate this feature, the west end of the runway was lowered by 30 feet, while the east end was lowered by 14 feet, with the removed material placed in the centre. This re-engineering of the runway gradient improved safety and made landings less challenging for pilots.
The 2009 renovation also included several other enhancements. Firstly, 41 feet of length was added to the runway, providing more space for aircraft takeoff and landing. Secondly, retaining walls were constructed along the sides of the runway to enhance safety and stability. These changes contributed to a more modern and secure airport infrastructure.
The runway renovation was just one part of a series of improvements at the airport. In 2010, construction crews expanded the airfield's safety areas from 150 feet to 250 feet, providing a larger buffer zone for aircraft operations. Additionally, they installed an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS), a safety feature designed to stop aircraft in the event of a runway excursion. This system is particularly beneficial for larger aircraft, allowing them to utilise the airport safely. The total cost of the 2010 enhancements was not disclosed, but the project demonstrated a continued commitment to improving the airport's functionality and safety.
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The airport is recognised as outstanding by the Colorado Pilots Association
The Telluride Regional Airport is recognised as an outstanding airport by the Colorado Pilots Association. The airport is located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. It is perched at an elevation of 9,078 feet (2767 m) above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights.
The airport's history dates back to the 1970s when the town of Telluride, Mountain Village, and San Miguel County came together to plan its construction on Deep Creek Mesa. The airport opened its doors in 1984, and since then, it has been a challenging yet scenic destination for pilots. The airport is situated on a plateau surrounded by towering 14,000-foot mountains, providing a breathtaking approach.
One of the most notable aspects of the airport is its runway. The original runway had a concave middle section, dubbed "The Dip" by pilots, which made landing similar to landing on an aircraft carrier. In 2009, the runway underwent a $24 million renovation project. The project lowered the west end of the runway by 30 feet and the east end by 14 feet, filling in the notorious dip. Additionally, 41 feet of length was added, and retaining walls were constructed on the sides.
The airport has faced financial viability challenges over the years, with the loss of some airline services and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it continues to serve the community and is a vital gateway to the Telluride region. The airport is also home to a unique business venture, the Telluride Stone quarry, which mines a gold-coloured stone used worldwide for landscaping and building masonry.
Telluride Regional Airport remains a challenging airport to navigate due to its high elevation, strong updrafts, turbulence, and unique approach procedures. Pilots need to be aware of the specific considerations when flying into this airport, but the stunning scenery and sense of accomplishment make it a rewarding destination for experienced pilots.
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The airport is the second-highest airfield in the US
The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. It is perched at an elevation of 9,078 feet (2,767 metres) above sea level, making it the second-highest airfield in the US. The airport is situated on a plateau surrounded by majestic mountains, with many peaks exceeding 14,000 feet (4,300 metres) in elevation.
Due to its high altitude and challenging approach, Telluride Airport is known as one of the most scenic and dangerous airports in the country. Pilots must navigate strong updrafts, downdrafts, turbulence, and visual illusions when flying into or out of this airfield. The airport's single runway, designated as 9/27, measures 7,111 feet (2,167 metres) in length and 100 feet (30 metres) in width. It is surrounded by thousand-foot cliffs on both ends, adding to the complexity of landing and taking off.
In the past, the runway at Telluride Airport featured a notable "dip" in the middle, which made landings even more challenging. However, in 2009, a $24 million renovation project was undertaken to address this issue. The project involved lowering the west end of the runway by 30 feet and the east end by 14 feet, filling in the centre to eliminate the dip. Additionally, 41 feet of length was added, and retaining walls were constructed along the sides.
Despite the challenges posed by its location and elevation, Telluride Regional Airport has a rich history of aviation. It first opened its doors in 1984, and since then, it has been a vital gateway to the world-class ski resort and the surrounding communities. The airport has seen various airlines come and go, offering scheduled passenger services and charter flights. Commercial airline services were introduced in December 1985 by Mesa Airlines, with Beechcraft 1900C turboprops operating to Albuquerque and Denver.
Today, the airport continues to serve as an important transport hub for the region. It is recognised for its outstanding contributions by the Colorado Pilots Association. With its stunning mountain backdrop and technical approach, Telluride Regional Airport remains a unique and fascinating airfield in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Telluride Regional Airport was built in 1984.
Telluride Airport is located on a plateau and is surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains. Pilots must be aware of unique issues impacting the airfield, including high terrain, downdrafts, and turbulence. The airport also features a one-way in/one-way out runway.
Yes, the runway was closed for renovation from April 7 to November 4, 2009. The project cost $24 million and involved lowering the west and east ends of the runway, removing a notorious dip in the middle, and adding 41 feet of length.
