Durango, CO: The number of people boarding a plane at the Durango – La Plata County Airport (DRO) for June through August totaled 60,438, which is a 16% increase over the summer months in 2022.
June enplaned passenger traffic totaled 18,787, a 5% increase from June of 2022. July enplaned passenger traffic totaled 20,629, a 17% increase from July of 2022. August enplaned passenger traffic totaled 21,022, a 26% increase from August of 2022.
As part of an ongoing effort to accommodate growth in passenger traffic, work is underway on a terminal expansion project.
Ground was broken on the first, $7 million, Phase 1A in late April. This initial phase of expansion will add one airline boarding gate and seating area, new and expanded public restrooms, family restrooms and a nursing room, and food and beverage concessions. The first phase of construction is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2024 and also relocates electrical and data utilities, upgrades an emergency generator, and serves as a critical enabling project ahead of a larger Phase 1B of construction planned for 2024. The entire $36 million expansion is anticipated to be complete in 2026.
“As a gateway and first impression to Durango, Southwest Colorado, and the entire Four Corners region, the airport must provide appropriately sized and modern infrastructure to support the growing demand for air service in our community,” said Aviation Director Tony Vicari. “Passenger traffic at DRO has more than doubled over the past 20 years, and the terminal facilities are feeling the pressure of this growth.”
DRO operates as an enterprise fund of the City of Durango and generates self-sustaining revenue from airport tenants and users in the form of airline rent and landing fees, terminal concessions, ground leases, and parking fees. The airport does not receive any local tax funding.
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