Colorado, known for its Rocky Mountain landscapes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant cities, has a well-developed aviation network. Denver International Airport (DEN) serves as the primary hub, connecting Colorado to national and international destinations. Regional airports provide essential connectivity to smaller communities and popular tourist areas.
| City Served/Location | Region | IATA | Airport Name | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | Central Colorado | DEN | Denver International Airport | 39.8561° N, 104.6737° W |
| Colorado Springs | Central Colorado | COS | Colorado Springs Airport | 38.8058° N, 104.7002° W |
| Grand Junction | Western Colorado | GJT | Grand Junction Regional Airport | 39.1244° N, 108.5267° W |
| Aspen | Central Colorado | ASE | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport | 39.2232° N, 106.8690° W |
| Eagle | Central Colorado | EGE | Eagle County Regional Airport | 39.6426° N, 106.9177° W |
| Durango | Southwestern Colorado | DRO | Durango-La Plata County Airport | 37.1515° N, 107.7538° W |
| Montrose | Western Colorado | MTJ | Montrose Regional Airport | 38.5098° N, 107.8940° W |
| Gunnison | Western Colorado | GUC | Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport | 38.5339° N, 106.9330° W |
| Hayden | Northwestern Colorado | HDN | Yampa Valley Regional Airport | 40.4812° N, 107.2177° W |
Denver International Airport (DEN)
DEN, located about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver, is Colorado’s largest and busiest airport. It is a major hub for United Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Features:
- Passenger Services: Extensive shopping, dining, and art installations.
- Connectivity: Offers domestic flights to all major U.S. cities and international flights to Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
- Infrastructure: Known for its iconic tent-like terminal roof and expansive layout.
Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
COS is the second-largest airport in Colorado, providing domestic flights and serving as a convenient alternative for travelers in the central and southern parts of the state.
Regional Airports
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE): A key gateway for tourists visiting Aspen’s world-famous ski resorts and the Rocky Mountains.
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): Serves Vail and Beaver Creek ski areas, catering to seasonal travelers and offering domestic and select international flights.
- Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO): Connects the Four Corners region to major hubs, including Denver and Dallas.
Importance of Colorado’s Airports
Colorado’s airports are essential for supporting its tourism-driven economy, connecting visitors to world-class skiing, hiking, and national parks. They also play a key role in enabling business travel and facilitating cargo operations.
Sustainability and Development
Colorado airports are actively working to reduce their environmental footprint through:
- Renewable energy projects at DEN, including a large solar farm.
- Energy-efficient terminal designs at regional airports.
- Investments in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).