The next phase of a Durango-La Plata County Airport terminal expansion is ready for takeoff after Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
Phase 1B of the expansion project will add 19,728 square feet to the existing terminal and renovate another 19,000 square feet of the airport, with completion expected by spring 2026.
Aviation Director Tony Vicari said the airport commission has worked diligently over the last seven years to get the project off the ground. That included a setback brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to break ground on the next phase of this important project,” Vicari said. “As a gateway and first impression to Durango, Southwest Colorado, and the entire Four Corners region, DRO must provide appropriately sized and modern infrastructure to support the growing demand for air service in our community.”
The expansion will introduce two new airline gates and passenger hold rooms, an enlarged TSA screening checkpoint, updated food and beverage concessions, and a new, expanded baggage claim area. The upgrades aim to enhance passenger and baggage flow and align the airport with contemporary design standards.
It is expected to support the airport’s capacity needs, as the facility has experienced a steady increase in passenger numbers over recent years. The design incorporates modern technology to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, addressing both current and future travel demands.
After a record-breaking 2023, during which DRO handled over 430,000 airline passengers, traffic has continued to rise in 2024. Through August, passenger numbers are up by a significant 16% compared to the previous year.
Along with the overall growth, DRO's airline partners are increasingly deploying larger aircraft to meet market demand. The airport now accommodates two daily flights on 126-150 seat mainline aircraft, in addition to eight to 11 daily flights on 50-76 seat regional jets, further expanding peak traffic periods, according to a city news release.
The cost of Phase 1B will be completely covered by grant funding and airport revenue streams. In September, the airport landed a $13 million federal grant to help with the cost of Phase 1B.
The total cost of the project, including Phase 1A, which was completed earlier this year, is about $28 million. La Plata County Commissioner Matt Salka said the airport has secured around $18.5 million in federal grants to support the project.
“As you all know, airports are a major economic driver in communities across Colorado,” said Lisa Pool, southwest regional director for Sen. John Hickenlooper’s office. “They create quality jobs, promote tourism and connect rural communities to major cities. Our regional airports across the state need to be able to evolve alongside new technology and shifting demands.”
According to data provided by Durango Mayor Jessika Buell on Wednesday, the airport generates $300 million annually and provides the area with 2,700 jobs.
“DRO serves the air travel needs of a vast rural area, connecting us to the world beyond our borders,” Buell said. “It's a lifeline for residents of Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio and surrounding communities. It's a gateway for visitors from across the nation and beyond.”
tbrown@durangoherald.com
