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Greetings!
The West Terminal Expansion is well underway. This project is a visible symbol of the growth and continued evolution of our region. But while new facilities and expanded infrastructure are important, they are not the airport’s greatest asset. The true strength of HDN has always been, and will continue to be, the people who make this airport operate every day.
From operations staff and maintenance crews, to administration, restaurants/retail, janitorial, customer service, ground handlers, airlines, security, ground transportation providers and everyone in between, our employees work tirelessly to provide a safe, secure, and welcoming experience for every traveler who comes through our airport. As the front door to the Yampa Valley, every interaction matters. Each member of our airport community plays a role in shaping the impression residents and visitors take with them as they arrive and depart.
As the airport grows, so must we. By 2028, our terminal will nearly double in size, and future planned expansions to baggage claim and the TSA checkpoint will increase our capacity even further. Meeting the demands of that growth will require more than additional space. It will require all of us to continue adapting, learning, collaborating, and evolving together.
With that in mind, airport administration has taken the opportunity to refocus our purpose around a simple principle: one team, one mission. Our success depends on everyone moving in the same direction, understanding our shared goals, and remaining committed to serving the public.
To strengthen that alignment, we have begun holding monthly and quarterly meetings with all Routt County airport staff. These meetings help ensure our objectives are coordinated across all areas of the organization, encourage collaboration, keep everyone informed about the exciting developments taking place at HDN, and provide opportunities for employees to ask questions, share ideas and have their voices heard.
As we prepare for another busy winter season, it is equally important that we extend this spirit of collaboration to our partners including airlines, ground handlers, TSA, general aviation businesses, ground transportation providers and others who help keep HDN operating every day. Growth and change can bring challenges, but they also create opportunities. Fortunately, HDN is supported by one of the most dedicated, experienced, and resilient teams in the industry. Time and again, our people have risen to meet new challenges, and I am confident they will continue to do so.
The future of HDN is bright. The facilities we are building today will help us meet tomorrow’s needs, but it is our people, their professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to service, who will ensure that Yampa Valley Regional Airport remains one of the premier mountain airports in the country for years to come.
Sincerely,
Tinneal Gerber
Airport Director
Yampa Valley Regional Airport
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The airline flight schedule for the remainder of the summer season remains unchanged, providing travelers with continued access to the destinations they have come to expect from HDN.
Looking ahead, the 2026-2027 winter schedule is beginning to take shape. Most winter flights are already available for purchase directly through the airlines, with schedules currently loaded through March 2027. We expect to release the complete winter flight schedule soon and will share additional details as they become available.
We encourage travelers planning winter trips to check directly with their preferred airline for the latest flight options and booking availability.
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Traveler Information & Tips | | | | |
Denver Weather Flight Delays
Summer storms in the Denver area and across the state have the potential to create ground and air traffic delays in and out of Denver International Airport.
Traveler Tip: Make sure to check your airline app or website for the latest information on the day of your flight.
Still Potential for Highway 40 Delays
Highway 40 is looking brand new, with the majority of roadway construction work now complete. The improvements have significantly enhanced the drive to and from Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
While most major work has wrapped up, travelers should be aware that crews will continue to perform periodic work on guardrails, pavement shoulders, and other finishing items. These activities may result in occasional traffic delays and brief lane restrictions along the corridor.
Traveler Tip: Leave a little early when heading to the airport and check the latest road conditions before you travel. Even with most of the Highway 40 construction complete, occasional delays may occur due to ongoing guardrail and shoulder work. For current traffic conditions, construction updates, and travel alerts, visit www.cotrip.org.
Routt County Remains in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Please remember:
- No open fires or campfires (except approved petroleum-fueled devices); includes burning debris or vegetation.
- Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles and buildings.
- Chainsaw use requires approved spark arrestor, ≥8 oz fire extinguisher on operator, and 36" shovel readily available.
- All engines (including ATVs/motorcycles) must have working spark arrestors.
- No outdoor welding or cutting torches.
- No explosives or incendiary devices (e.g., fireworks, tracer rounds, exploding targets).
- Agencies may impose additional restrictions on activities like construction or logging.
- Other restrictions may apply as needed for public safety.
- Previous permits are void unless reapproved or restrictions are lifted.
Traveler Tip: Be cautious and stay aware of your surroundings. With dry conditions across the region, anything that has the potential to spark can create a serious fire risk. Whether you're traveling, working outdoors, or enjoying recreational activities, please do your part to help protect our community and natural environment. A little extra care can make a big difference in preventing wildfires.
Pre-Reserve Ground Transportation
Fewer options are available in the summer for shuttle services, rental cars, and rideshares compared to the winter peak season.
Traveler Tip: Reserve transportation to and from the airport ahead of time when possible. Planning ahead can help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to and from HDN.
Food & Beverage at HDN
Food service hours vary throughout spring:
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Snack Bar (post-security): 5:30am-last departing flight
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3Wire Restaurant (pre-security): 10:30 am- 2:45 pm
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General Store (pre-security): 11:00 am-2:45 pm
Electric Vehicle Charging
Due to ongoing construction associated with the West Terminal Expansion Project, EV charging stations are currently unavailable as the space is being used by contractors.
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West Terminal Expansion Project | | | | |
The West Terminal Expansion Project remains on schedule. Early milestones include:
- Completion of the temporary outbound baggage handling system
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- Relocate the terminal building and fire pump emergency generators
- Over a two-night period, the airport’s two emergency generators were hoisted over the perimeter wall onto their new temporary location at the front of the terminal.
- This involved an overnight terminal-wide power outage that occurred with minor disruptions to airports systems.
- Extra security, safety and fire watch measures were in place and no airline flights were impacted.
- Removal of the two water storage tanks completed
- Demolition of the outbound baggage handling carousel completed
- Demolition and removal of all concrete apron within the expansion footprint
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- Fiber optic cable relocation was completed
- Removal of all items from Hangar 1 to be ready for demolition completed
The project team continues to work on critical path items:
- Continued training and programming of the new temporary outbound bag system:
- This is the portion of the system that, after a passenger checks their bag and TSA completes its security screening, the automated system that transports the bag to the location airline ground handlers pick the bag up for transport to the aircraft.
- Lots of lessons-learned each day based on ground handler preferences, ease of operation, and programming preferences are being coordinated.
- Since this system will be in operation until project completion in June of 2028, additional programming will be scheduled in the early part of the peak season to accommodate the extreme change in airline traffic and winter weather conditions.
- Prepare and install caissons and foundations for building erection
- Water line installation
- Restriping of aircraft parking positions 1-5
What’s Next
September, 2026
- Preparations for the hangar demolition project are underway, with fiber relocation work scheduled to begin in August. Demolition activities are not anticipated to start until September as project teams continue refining costs, sequencing, and construction phasing with subcontractors to ensure the work is completed efficiently and with minimal impact to airport operations.
While the hangar demolition is not part of the West Terminal Expansion project, it is a necessary component of the airport's broader development efforts and is required to meet current fire code standards. Additional updates and scheduling information will be shared as the project progresses.
November, 2026
- The construction footprint will be reduced to allow full operational flexibility for winter aircraft parking.
December 2026-May 2028
- The terminal expansion building will start to take shape.
June 2028
- New terminal area and gates will open for use.
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Yampa Valley Regional Airport continues to finalize negotiations with HDN Investment Hangars, LLC, following Request for Proposals (RFP) #851 for Phase 2 of the Aviation Business Park Development. The proposed project represents a significant long-term investment in the airport, encompassing a nine-year, seven-phase development plan with anticipated expenditures exceeding $70 million.
Airport staff, Routt County legal counsel, and Kaplan Kirsch are working collaboratively to finalize the necessary development agreements. Once completed, the agreements will be presented for review and consideration by both the Yampa Valley Airport Commission and the Routt County Commissioners, with discussions anticipated to take place in August.
This development has the potential to further strengthen the airport's aviation infrastructure, support economic growth, and enhance opportunities for aviation-related businesses within the Yampa Valley region. Additional updates will be provided as negotiations progress and key milestones are reached.
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Information on events in the Yampa Valley can be found at:
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Fire Support – Yampa Valley Regional Airport continues to support regional wildfire response efforts as firefighting activity remains active across Northwest Colorado. This summer, two scooper aircraft and several helicopters have utilized HDN as a temporary base of operations while assisting with wildfire suppression efforts, including the Fishhook and Green Ridge Fires.
To support these missions, firefighting aircraft have operated primarily from the eastern end of the terminal ramp and the Atlantic Aviation ramp. These locations provide critical staging areas for refueling, resupply, and coordination of aerial firefighting operations.
In addition, beginning July 30, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service's Skyhammer mobile retardant base operation will return to HDN. The operation is expected to include two Sikorsky Skycranes, a Black Hawk helicopter, and supporting flight and ground crews. The return of Skyhammer further reinforces HDN's important role in supporting wildfire response and emergency management efforts throughout the region.
Airport users and travelers may notice increased helicopter and firefighting aircraft activity during this period. We appreciate the public's awareness and cooperation as HDN continues to support the agencies and personnel working to protect our communities, natural resources, and public lands during wildfire season.
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FAA Required Triennial Emergency Response Drill – Planning and coordination continues for the triennial full-scale emergency exercise designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan in a realistic setting. Triennial full-scale emergency exercises are a core FAA safety requirement for certificated airports and must take place once every three years. The exercise will take place on Wednesday August 26th between 9am and noon.
Airport Tours – YVRA hosted several groups from the City of Steamboat Springs Summer Camp. They all got to feel the spray of our new fire truck!
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- An RFP for Airport Wifi System Installation, Operation and Maintenance has been advertised – Proposals are due August 6, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
- An RFB for the purchase of bristles for airport snow removal equipment has been advertised – Bids are due August 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm
- An RFP for Airport Terminal Advertising has been advertised – Proposals are Due August 18, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
- An RFB for the purchase of a snow removal truck with sweeper accessories has been advertised – Bids are due September 1, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
- An RFP for an Airport Business Consultant has been advertised – Proposals are due September 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
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All advertisements for quotes, bids and proposals can be found on www.bidnetdirect.com or on the Routt County website.
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YVRA Employment Opportunities | | | | | | |
