For seven and a half months in 2027, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport closes to all traffic — commercial and private. Central Colorado Regional Airport in Buena Vista is your uncongested private gateway: a longer runway than Aspen's, Jet-A on the field, and no lines. We handle the arrival end to end.
During the 2027 Aspen closure (April 4 – November 19), private jets bound for Central Colorado can fly into Central Colorado Regional Airport (KAEJ) in Buena Vista. It has an 8,303-foot runway — longer than Aspen's own — with Jet-A fuel and an FBO on site, and it's the closest private gateway to Salida, Crested Butte, and the Arkansas River valley. The Colorado Concierge — a JAE Luxury Travel brand with people on the ground in Buena Vista — arranges the fuel, the FBO handling, the ground transport, and every detail after you land.
The assumption is that Buena Vista is too small for jets. The numbers say otherwise — and they're public record.
The closest field to Aspen town will be the busiest. If your destination is Central Colorado — or you simply want a calm, private arrival — Buena Vista is the sharper choice.
| Airport | Best for | During the closure |
|---|---|---|
| Central Colorado / Buena Vista (KAEJ) | Salida, Crested Butte, Arkansas River valley — and anyone who wants no lines | Uncongested gateway |
| Eagle County (EGE) | Closest drive to Aspen town (~70 min) | Expect crowding |
| Grand Junction (GJT) | Commercial connections & aircraft maintenance | Farther by road |
A great runway is only the start. The Colorado Concierge makes Buena Vista feel like a private terminal.
FBO coordination, fuel arrangements, and black-car or SUV transfer waiting on the ramp — to Buena Vista, Salida, or Crested Butte.
Private villas, ranches, and residences with the standards you expect, plus access to the experiences that make Central Colorado.
Private chefs, reservations, guides, wellness and hot springs, and a fixer on call for anything a trip needs.
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is closed from Sunday, April 4, 2027 through Friday, November 19, 2027 for a full runway reconstruction and new terminal. During the closure there are no commercial flights and no private jet operations at Aspen.
Private jets divert to nearby Colorado airports including Eagle County (EGE), Grand Junction (GJT), Rifle (RIL), and Central Colorado Regional Airport (KAEJ) in Buena Vista. For Central Colorado destinations — Salida, Crested Butte, the Arkansas River valley — KAEJ is the most direct and least congested gateway.
It depends on where you're headed. Eagle County (EGE) is closest to Aspen town — and will be the most crowded during the closure. Grand Junction (GJT) is farther by road but has commercial connections and maintenance. For Central Colorado — Salida, Crested Butte, and the Arkansas River valley — Buena Vista (KAEJ) is the most direct and least congested option, with a runway longer than Aspen's, Jet-A, and an FBO on the field.
Yes. KAEJ has an 8,303-foot asphalt runway — longer than Aspen's own — at approximately 7,950 feet elevation, with Jet-A fuel, an FBO, hangars, and ramp parking. Light and midsize business jets operate there routinely. Larger aircraft are subject to standard high-altitude performance planning, which your operator will confirm.
From KAEJ, Aspen is roughly two hours by road over Independence Pass when the pass is open (about late May to late October). Crested Butte, Salida, and the Arkansas River valley are closer — which is exactly why Buena Vista is best understood as the gateway to Central Colorado, not a back door to Aspen.
Yes — Jet-A and 100LL are available on the field, along with FBO services, ground handling, hangars, and ramp or tie-down parking. The Colorado Concierge coordinates fuel and handling as part of your arrival.
Tell us your dates, your aircraft, and where you're headed in Central Colorado. We'll handle the airport, the ground, and everything after.
hello@thecoloradoconcierge.com