Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Colorado is scheduled to close for 7.5 months from Sunday, April 4, 2027 at 11:00 in the evening through Friday, November 19, 2027 at 7:00 in the evening in order to undergo infrastructure improvements to enhance safety, access, efficiency, and long-term operational reliability.
Aspen Airport to Close For 7.5 Months
Among the phases of this project is the reconstruction and shifting of the sole runway of the airport, as the current runway will be demolished. A new terminal will be constructed with a target for completion in 2029 — which is when the existing terminal will be demolished — but no disruptions to service are planned or expected during that construction. Other improvements will occur as well.
“Following years of planning and voter approval in November 2024, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Modernization Project is currently in the Schematic Design phase of the Terminal Design process”, according to this press release at the official Internet web site of the airport. “The project’s centerpiece is a new passenger terminal to better serve travelers, locals and airport staff. In 2026 a new terminal will be designed to reflect the community-led and values-driven “Common Ground Recommendations” adopted by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners in December 2020.”
This video includes a walkthrough of the schematic design of the project — from the recent open house at The Hoffmann Hotel Basalt Aspen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, of which you can read about my stay — which highlights the design and key elements of the project.
“Anticipated over five years, from 2025 to 2029, the phased project schedule is designed to minimize impacts to travelers, residents, and local businesses”, according to the aforementioned press release. “The accelerated schedule is ambitious and will require significant resource commitments to complete the runway reconstruction by the end of 2027.”
An upcoming open house and community town hall pertaining to this project is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at the Limelight Aspen hotel property. You can view materials from the meeting which occurred on Friday, December 5, 2025 here.
The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States committed to funding for runway improvements over the next three years, with approximately $40 million anticipated in the first year.
Final Boarding Call
This is an early travel alert advising that if you plan to visit or depart from Aspen, you will not be able to use Aspen-Pitkin County Airport between Sunday, April 4, 2027 at 11:00 in the evening and Friday, November 19, 2027 at 7:00 in the evening — so plan accordingly.
If your travels to or from Aspen cannot be canceled or postponed, consider using Denver International Airport or Colorado Springs Airport as alternatives.
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
