Colorado’s Aspen/Pitkin Airport To Close for a Month

Colorado’s Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (KASE) will be closing for a month of pavement maintenance starting on April 23. According to airport authorities, after a busy ski season, annual spring maintenance is required on the aging 8,000-foot runway and taxiway to ensure it remains safe and reliable for both commercial and general aviation users.

Conducted in coordination with airport stakeholders and the local community, the work will commence at 9 a.m. on April 23 to allow for evening flights to depart and to minimize disruptions. It will reopen on May 21 at 7 p.m. to enable aircraft to reposition for a full flight schedule the following day. Nearby Rifle Garfield County (KRIL) and Eagle County Regional (KEGE) airports could see traffic increases during the closure.

“This closure approach has been well-received in recent years, and we are continuing the practice in 2026,” said KASE director Diane Jackson. “We’re also pleased to complete the work ahead of the Memorial Day holiday, with a second phase of improvements taking place overnight later in the season to avoid an additional runway closure.”

Two years ago, area voters approved a measure for a full runway upgrade, which is slated for completion next year. Once completed, that will negate the need for the annual spring runway closure.