September 4, 2026

Greetings!

At all commercial service airports in the US, and particularly for smaller, rural airports like Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), financial sustainability depends on more than airline activity alone. Diversifying revenue streams through strategic business development and securing grants are critical components of maintaining and improving airport infrastructure while keeping operating costs manageable for our airline business partners. Every dollar generated from non-airline sources or obtained through grant funding helps reduce the financial burden that would otherwise be borne by the airlines, supporting a more competitive operating environment and ultimately benefiting the traveling public. Last month brought two significant milestones toward that goal: the award of new grant agreements and the execution of a long-term general aviation development agreement.

In August, the Routt County Board approved $11.5 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants awarded to HDN for the West Terminal Expansion project, currently under construction. This includes $1.5 million of Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant funds. All airports in the US compete each year for limited ATP grant funds. Only 20% of US airports that apply for ATP grant funds are successful in being awarded a grant. HDN was only one of two airports in Colorado to be awarded an ATP grant this year. 

Also in August, the Routt County Board approved an agreement to develop 35 acres of airport land as an Aviation Business Park. This was in response to a Request for Proposals solicited and over one year of contract negotiations with the top ranked proposer. Key business terms of this agreement are:

• Nine (9) year master development agreement with seven (7) planned phases.
• Over $70 million dollars in minimum required capital.
• All improvements installed on the airport premises will automatically revert to HDN at the end of the lease term at no cost.
• First year revenues to HDN will be $147,015 growing to over $533,000 annually in the 9^th year.

These types of agreements are at the core of the “business” side of running an airport. Safety, security and the passenger experience are always our top priorities. But a strong financial business model for the airport is essential to providing needed infrastructure and providing for the airport’s growth, while keeping airline costs low (which helps to maintain and attract air service), and while enhancing economic development for the Northwest Colorado region.

Sincerely,

Tinneal Gerber

Airport Director

Yampa Valley Regional Airport

With no changes planned to the airline flight schedule for the remainder of the summer season, HDN will continue offering the same level of connectivity and market access. Daily flights to Denver by United and Southwest Airlines will continue into the fall.

The 2026-2027 winter flight schedule was just finalized. One new nonstop destination has been added to Portland, increasing the total nonstop destinations to 18. In our winter season, HDN continues to provide direct airline service to both coasts and most major hubs.   

We encourage travelers planning winter trips to check directly with their preferred airline for the latest flight options and booking availability.

HDN served as a temporary base for Helitanker's "Sky Hammer" Type 1 firefighting helicopters for several weeks in August. These Sikorsky S-61 helicopters are capable of delivering approximately 1,000 gallons of water per drop and can quickly refill from nearby lakes, reservoirs, and other water sources. Their rapid response capability allows firefighting crews to attack emerging wildfires while they are still small, helping protect communities, natural resources, and critical infrastructure throughout the region

The West Terminal Expansion Project remains on schedule. With the early milestones met for the completion of the temporary outbound bag make-up system, the relocation of the fire pump and terminal emergency generators to the landside non-secure area of the project, and the completion of all caisson foundations, work continues on site development. This includes installing grade beams, water line installation, excavation for elevator and escalator pits, and preparation for under slab piping.  

What’s Next

September, 2026

• The Construction Manager is working on a revised temporary bag make-up canopy. The current canopy supports summer operations but is questioned whether it can support HDN’s heavy winter snow loads. Therefore, a different bag make-up canopy is expected to be installed for winter operations. The Construction Manager and the Airport are evaluating different manufacturers and products that are better suited to HDN’s heavy winter operations.
• Once the winter bag make-up canopy is determined, re-striping of aircraft parking positions 1-5 will take place.
• Preparations for the Hangar 1 demolition continue. 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.

October, 2026

• Winter bag make-up canopy installed
• Hangar 1 demolition under way

November, 2026

• Hangar 1 demolition completed. Temporary ground service equipment (GSE) storage area available within old hangar footprint.
• The construction footprint will be reduced to allow full operational flexibility for winter aircraft parking.

December, 2026

• Structural steel will start to shape the building envelope.   

June, 2028

• New terminal area and gates will open for use.

A second Fixed Base Operator (FBO) is coming to HDN. DesertJet is the planned FBO operator for the Aviation Business Park agreement. Their operations still need to be endorsed by the Yampa Valley Airport Commission and the Routt County Board. Agreements and applications are being finalized for review. A second FBO will expand aviation services and provide another option for corporate business and personal aircraft.  

FAA Required Triennial Emergency Response Drill – The exercise will take place on Wednesday August 26^th from 9am to noon. Triennial full-scale emergency exercises are a core FAA safety requirement for certificated airports and must take place once every three years. A full account of this event will be in the October Monthly Newsletter

Denver Weather Flight Delays

We are seeing the summer storms in the Denver area continue to affect flight arrivals and departures at HDN. The later arriving flights many times are delayed and held in Denver until the weather and air traffic congestions clears.  

Traveler Tip: Check your airline app or airline website frequently for the latest information throughout the day of your flight. Many times booking an earlier flight has the best chance of not being impacted by afternoon or evening weather. 

Still Potential for Highway 40 Delays

The majority of work along Highway 40 going east and west from HDN is completed. However, there still is some shoulder and guardrail work wrapping up, which could result in some lane closures. 

Traveler Tip: Allow some extra time when coming to HDN in case of road construction delays. 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: Even though we’ve seen some rain, anything that has the potential to spark can create a serious fire risk.

Pre-Reserve Ground Transportation

As typical in our summer season, fewer options are available for shuttle services, rental cars, and rideshares.

Traveler Tip: Pre-reserve transportation to and from HDN ahead of time when possible.

Food & Beverage at HDN

Food service hours vary throughout spring:

• Snack Bar (post-security): 5:30 am - last departing flight
• 3Wire Restaurant (pre-security): 10:30 am-2:45 pm
• 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.

Information on events in the Yampa Valley can be found at:

• www.steamboatchamber.com/events/
• www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events
• www.haydenchamber.org/events/
• https://business.craig-chamber.com/events

• An RFB for the purchase of a snow removal truck with sweeper accessories has been advertised – Bids are due September 8, 2026 at 1:00 pm. (revised)
• An RFP for an Airport Business Consultant has been advertised – Proposals are due September 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
• All advertisements for quotes, bids and proposals can be found on www.bidnetdirect.com or on the Routt County website. 

To stay informed about job opportunities or to apply for any positions please visit Careers - Fly Steamboat - Employment Opportunities

For questions about the application process please contact us at 970.870.5360.