Major Changes Coming to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: Runway Closure & New Terminal Plans for 2027 | Avant Garde Aspen Luxury Real Estate
Stephanie Kroll
Stephanie Kroll
Big changes are on the horizon for travelers coming in and out of Aspen. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is preparing for a significant transformation, with a full runway closure scheduled from early March through October 2027. This project is part of a larger, phased effort to modernize the airport infrastructure and improve the overall travel experience for visitors and locals alike.
The closure is necessary to construct a realigned runway that meets modern safety and operational standards. It’s a bold move, but one that’s been carefully planned. The runway project is just one part of a broader vision to reimagine the airport as a future-forward transportation hub that reflects the needs of the Aspen and Pitkin County community—as well as the expectations of luxury travelers, second-home owners, and global visitors.
In addition to the runway realignment, the airport is preparing to launch the design phase for a brand-new terminal building, potentially as early as March or April of 2025. The terminal is expected to be completed in 2027 or 2028, aligning with the completion of the runway project. The goal is to create a more efficient, spacious, and environmentally conscious terminal that better supports the seasonal rhythms of Aspen—from summer events to ski season.
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport team is committed to transparency and public engagement throughout this multi-year redevelopment. On May 17th, 2025, the airport will host an open house and guided tours to educate the public about the upcoming improvements and to highlight the airport's vital role in the Roaring Fork Valley.
This event is a great opportunity for residents, real estate professionals, and local business owners to learn more about the construction timeline, travel impacts, and long-term benefits of the new airport infrastructure.
For Aspen real estate buyers, renters, and second-home owners, it's important to be aware of how the airport closure may impact travel plans over the next few years. While regional access will still be available through Eagle (EGE), Rifle (RIL), and potentially Grand Junction (GJT), it's likely that getting to and from Aspen will require more planning during the runway closure.
At the same time, this investment in infrastructure is a clear signal of long-term commitment to Aspen’s future as a premier global destination.
Our prediction is that during Summer 2027, some travelers may opt not to come to Aspen at all and will change their travel plans to visit other desirable vacation destinations that are easier to access, such as The Hamptons. Alternatively, Snowmass Village may see an unusual uptick in summer rental activity due to Aspen being the less attractive option. The Roaring Fork Valley will need to heavily rely on local driving tourism from places like Denver, front range cities, and the surrounding mountain towns during this time period.
We’ll be keeping an eye on updates regarding ASE’s progress, detour options during the closure, and how the upgrades will affect travel and real estate patterns throughout Aspen, Basalt, and the greater Roaring Fork Valley. If you're a homeowner or buyer curious about how the changes at Aspen Airport may affect property values or accessibility, feel free to get in touch.
Mark your calendar for the May 17th open house, and don’t miss your chance to see firsthand what’s next for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
Contact the real estate team at Avant Garde Aspen to sell your property, buy luxury ski property, and browse resort homes for sale in Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, and the rest of the Roaring Fork Valley.