The Grand Junction Regional Airport has earned recognition for its contributions to air transportation in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics named Grand Junction Regional Airport the 2021 Colorado Airport of the Year. 

The award was presented during a meeting of the Colorado Aeronautical Board conducted in conjunction with the Colorado Airport Operators Association spring conference in Telluride.

The division presents the annual award to recognize public use airports that contribute to a safe, efficient and effective statewide system through collaboration, investment and advocacy.

The Grand Junction Regional Airport is the largest airport on the Western Slope and third-largest statewide. According to an analysis of the economic effects of Colorado airports, Grand Junction Regional Airport supports 3,399 jobs, accounts for nearly $190 million in annual wages and $$711 million in business revenue statewide.

The airport has undertaken a series of improvement projects, including the construction of a new aircraft run-up area as well as the rehabilitation of aircraft aprons. 

A new primary runway is planned for construction north of the existing runway.