
Centennial Airport (IATA: APA, ICAO: KAPA, FAA LID: APA) is a public-use airport located in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area of Colorado, United States. The airport is situated 15 miles southeast of downtown Denver and is surrounded by several business parks and hospitals. As one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, Centennial Airport facilitates a wide range of services, including medevac, air ambulance, military operations, and corporate businesses. The airport also houses the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight museum, a go-kart track, a golf course, and a hotel.
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What You'll Learn

Centennial Airport is located in Dove Valley, Colorado
Centennial Airport covers 1,400 acres of land at an elevation of 5,885 feet. It has three asphalt runways, the longest of which is 10,000 feet in length. The airport is known for its challenging environment for pilots due to the mix of business jets, helicopters, and general aviation traffic. It is also home to numerous flight schools.
The airport opened on May 12, 1968, as Arapahoe County Airport and was renamed on July 13, 1984, to reflect Colorado's admission to the Union as the 38th state in 1876, the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence. The airport is financially self-sufficient and contributes significantly to the local and regional economy, generating $2.4 billion in economic impact.
Centennial Airport is more than just a logistical hub. It also supports the surrounding community through initiatives such as being home to the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight museum, Colorado Karting Circuit Go-Kart Track, Family Sports Center, and various other amenities. Additionally, the airport has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability through various initiatives, including offering unleaded Avgas fuel and implementing Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foam.
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It is 15-17 miles from downtown Denver
The Centennial Airport is located 15-17 miles from downtown Denver. It is a public-use airport, owned by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority, and is situated in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. The airport is in Dove Valley, extending into Douglas County.
Centennial Airport is conveniently just minutes from downtown Denver, and is considered the premier business airport in the U.S. It is surrounded by 23 business parks and 6,000 businesses, which contribute to 27% of the state's GDP. The airport is also home to several businesses, including Key Lime Air's corporate headquarters, and supports over 9,200 jobs in the region.
As one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, Centennial Airport handles a high volume of traffic, including business jets, helicopters, and general aviation. It provides 24/7 U.S. Customs services for international travellers, and is financially self-sufficient, with no reliance on local taxpayer money.
The airport also contributes to the community by supporting various initiatives. It is home to the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight museum, Colorado Karting Circuit Go-Kart Track, Family Sports Center, a golf course, and the Perfect Landing Restaurant and Avalanche Grill. Additionally, the airport prioritises environmental sustainability and has received awards for its initiatives, including offering unleaded Avgas and implementing Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foam.
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The airport is owned by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority
Centennial Airport is a public airport located 15 nautical miles (17 miles or 28 kilometres) southeast of downtown Denver, Colorado, United States. The airport is owned by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority and is situated in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area.
Centennial Airport opened on May 12, 1968, as the Arapahoe County Airport. It was renamed on July 13, 1984, to commemorate Colorado's admission to the Union as the 38th state in 1876, the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence. The airport authority is a separate political subdivision of the State of Colorado, with the power to own property, enter contracts, and manage the airport's operations and finances.
The airport covers 1,400 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 5,885 feet. It features three asphalt runways, accommodating a variety of aircraft, including single-engine planes, multi-engine planes, jets, and helicopters. Centennial Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States, with an average of 874 operations per day in 2018.
Centennial Airport provides 24/7 U.S. Customs services for international travellers and supports a wide range of users, including medevac and air ambulance services, military operations, flight schools, and corporate businesses. The airport is also recognised for its community engagement and environmental sustainability initiatives, such as offering unleaded aviation fuel and hosting charitable events.
The airport has experienced several notable incidents, including aircraft crashes and collisions, some of which resulted in fatalities. These incidents have prompted safety improvements and investigations to enhance the overall safety of the airport's operations.
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It is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the US
Centennial Airport is a public airport owned by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority. It is located 15 miles southeast of downtown Denver, Colorado, in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. The airport is in Dove Valley, extending into Douglas County.
Centennial Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the US, with an average of 874 operations per day. In 2018, the airport recorded 337,947 aircraft operations, averaging 925 per day. It is home to over 125 businesses and supports over 9,200 jobs in the region. The airport is financially self-sufficient, generating $2.4 billion in economic impact for the local and regional economy.
The airport is conveniently located in the heart of the Denver Tech Centre, surrounded by 23 business parks and 6,000 businesses that contribute to 27% of Colorado's GDP. It is just minutes from downtown Denver and provides a wide range of services, including 24/7 customs for international travellers, medevac and air ambulance services, military and Department of Defence operations, flight schools, aerospace research, corporate businesses, charter operations, and cargo.
Centennial Airport is also committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. It was the first airport in Colorado to offer unleaded Avgas and implement Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foam in its ARFF trucks. The airport has received awards for its sustainability initiatives and actively supports charitable initiatives through the Centennial Airport Foundation.
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The airport is home to over 125 businesses
Centennial Airport is a public-use airport in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area, 15 miles southeast of downtown Denver, Colorado. It is owned by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority and is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, with an average of 874 operations per day.
Centennial Airport provides 24/7 US Customs services for international travelers and is used by a wide variety of users, including medevac and air ambulance services, the military and Department of Defense, flight schools, aerospace research, corporate businesses, charter operations, and cargo. The airport's robust infrastructure and prime location have made it a hub for aviation-related businesses.
In addition to its aeronautical use, the airport also supports community engagement by being home to the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight museum, Colorado Karting Circuit Go-Kart Track, Family Sports Center, a golf course, the Perfect Landing Restaurant and Avalanche Grill, Colorado Skies Academy aerospace-focused middle school, and a hotel. The airport also hosts several charity events each year and actively sponsors and supports charitable initiatives through the Centennial Airport Foundation.
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Frequently asked questions
Centennial Airport is located in the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area, 15 miles southeast of downtown Denver.
The airport code for Centennial Airport is APA.
The airport covers 1,400 acres of land and is elevated at 5,885 feet.
Centennial Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, with an average of 874 operations per day. It is also the first airport in Colorado to offer unleaded aviation fuel.
Centennial Airport is surrounded by 23 business parks and 6,000 businesses, which contribute to 27% of the state's GDP. The airport is also home to the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight museum, the Colorado Karting Circuit Go-Kart Track, and the Family Sports Center.





















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