Located in the heart of the southeast metro business district and only 12 miles from downtown Denver, Centennial Airport is one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports. We provide service to a wide variety of users including, medevac and air ambulance service, military and Department of Defense, flight schools, research and development, corporate businesses, charter operations, cargo, and more. Spanning both Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, we are home to over 125 businesses, and more than 10,000 jobs in the region rely on the Centennial Airport. We are financially self-sufficient, accepting no local taxpayer money, and responsible for generating approximately $2.1 billion in economic impact for the local and regional economy.
We offer 24/7/365 service to our users, including 24/7 Customs services for international travelers. Even in adverse weather conditions, our highly decorated snow & ice removal team works around the clock to help ensure the airport remains open and safe to operate at.
Centennial Airport is more than just a logistical hub—it's a vital lifeline for communities across the region. From air ambulance flights transporting patients to care facilities, to fueling firefighting aircraft during critical wildfire response hours, Centennial Airport connects people in need with essential resources. Additionally, the largest air-ambulance companies in Denver provide service to the entire region through Centennial Airport; transporting patients, blood, and organs to points throughout the state and country. Nestled near 4 major hospitals, we are proud to support approximately 50 medical operations per day.
Apart from aeronautical use, we also support community engagement by being home to the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight Museum, a Go-Kart Track, Family Sports Center and golf course, the Perfect Landing Restaurant and Avalanche Grill, Colorado Skies Academy aerospace-focused middle school, and a hotel (coming soon). In addition, South Metro Fire Rescue Station 35 sits conveniently on airport property and services the airport and the surrounding community.
Centennial Airport stives to be a global leader in sustainability; achieving operational efficiency through economic vitality, social responsibility, and use of natural resources. We are at the forefront of sustainability efforts, pioneering initiatives such as offering unleaded Avgas—the first in Colorado—and participating in sustainability programs. Moreover, we host several charity events each year and actively sponsor and support numerous charitable initiatives through the Centennial Airport Foundation.
1960s
-------
1960: Arapahoe County and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) begin planning for a proposed reliever airport for Stapleton International Airport, to be located in Arapahoe County.
1963: Arapahoe County and the FAA announce proposal for new airport development.
1967: Construction begins on Centennial Airport (formally Arapahoe County Airport), with $1.6 million from the Federal Airport Aid Program for the purchase of 380 acres of land.
Lou Clinton of Clinton Aviation signs a 30-year lease, becoming the airport’s first fixed base operator (FBO). Emily Howell, who would become first woman captain of a scheduled U.S. commercial airline, becomes the head of Clinton’s flight training program.
1968: May 12 – Grand opening of Centennial Airport (formally Arapahoe County Airport). A reported 51,000 people attended the 3-day celebratory event. Aerobatic pilot, Dick Rutt, cut the first ceremonial ribbon with the wing tip of his plane over Runway 16/34 (now main Runway 17L/35R). At this time there were 98 aircraft based at the airport.
1969: The airport purchases its first snowplow for $25,000.
-------
1970s
-------
1970: Construction of crosswind Runway 10/28 is completed.
The airport purchases its first fire truck, a four-wheel drive airport vehicle, and an additional snowplow. Total cost: $48,550.
1973: George Wallace is appointed to head the new Executive Management Committee of the airport. The committee oversaw airport operations, general management, and development of additional facilities.
Construction on the first permanent Air Traffic Control Tower is completed. Festivities include a performance by the Red Devil aerobatic team. Total cost of the tower: $268,000.
1974: The Air Traffic Control Tower is selected as the FAA Rocky Mountain Region’s Terminal Air Traffic Facility of the Year.
1975: June 9 – The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority (ACPAA) is created during a public hearing under the Public Airport Authority Act, styling the airport as a separate, legal entity. Arapahoe County transferred the title to the airport land and improvements to the newly created political subdivision.
Centennial Airport (formally Arapahoe County Airport) represents the nation at the 1975 Paris Air Show as the “best in American general aviation airports.”, citing its forward-thinking efforts of land use compatibility.
1976: Construction of parallel Runway 16R/34L (now Runway 17R/35L) is completed.
1979: George Wallace formally resigns as director of the airport's Executive Management Committee.
-------
1980s
-------
1980: William Fitzgerald is hired by the Airport Authority Board as the fulltime airport administrator.
1981: The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority adopts “Minimum Standards for Commercial Aeronautical Activity”, developed to regulate all commercial aeronautical activity. Land use guidelines are also adopted to control encroachment.
1983: The Air Traffic Control Tower becomes a 24-hour facility.
The FAA’s Denver Flight Service Station is dedicated.
1984: July 13 – Arapahoe County Airport officially changes its name to Centennial Airport. The name was adopted by the Airport Authority to reflect growth, as well as a hat tip to Colorado’s moniker as “Centennial State.”
Centennial Airport wins the Bernt Balchen Award for excellence in snow and ice removal for the first time.
Douglas County receives representation on the Airport Authority Board in the form of three newly-added ex-officio commissioners.
1985: Construction of a new (current) Air Traffic Control Tower is completed.
Centennial Airport is ranked as the 11th busiest airport in the nation.
1988: The Denver Airshow is held at Centennial Airport, featuring a performance by Bob Hoover.
-------
1990s
-------
1996: Centennial Airport becomes an international airport with the addition of U.S. Customs services.
1998: The busiest year on record at Centennial Airport with 466,267 aircraft operations; averaging 1,189 operations per day.
1999: Centennial Airport loses federal funding after the Airport Authority Board refuses to lift its ban on scheduled passenger service. This is the result of a legal battle initiated by an entrepreneur who pushed to bring passenger service to the airport, taking the dispute to both the Colorado and U.S. Supreme Courts.
-------
2000s
-------
2000: Robert Olislagers is hired by the Airport Authority Board as the Executive Director/CEO.
2003: The Zero Seat Law, allowing Centennial Airport to prohibit scheduled service while also re-establishing federal funding, is signed into law by President George W. Bush. (Officially titled Public Law 108-7, Sec. 321).
2008: Centennial Airport completes it's first full Part 150 Airport Noise and Compatibility Study — establishing a Noise Compatibility Program (recommended measures designed to reduce noise and incompatible land uses) and Noise Exposure Maps (contour maps that show existing and future aircraft sound exposure).
The Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable is created with the purpose of working with the airport to reduce and mitigate the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities.
-------
2010s
-------
2016: Centennial Airport completes a Part 150 Noise Exposure Map Update.
2018: Centennial Airport celebrates its 50th anniversary with special guest Captain “Sully” Sullenberger.
-------
2020s
-------
2020: Construction on the new multi-purpose Administrative Building, the Hangar, is completed.
2021: Michael Fronapfel is hired by the Airport Authority Board as the Executive Director/CEO.
2022: Centennial Airport receives the Colorado Airport of the Year award by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics.
2023: Centennial Airport becomes the first airport in the state of Colorado to offer unleaded aviation fuel, UL94. The airport also self-funds two key initiatives: an STC Reimbursement Program for based aircraft and a subsidy to offset the cost difference between unleaded and low-lead fuel.
South Metro Fire Rescue dedicates two new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) trucks for use at Centennial Airport, purchased as part of a funding collaborating between SMFR and the Airport Authority Board.
In partnership with South Metro Fire Rescue, Centennial Airport acquires a Mobile Aircraft Fire Trainer; a propane-fed fuselage for aircraft rescue and firefighting training.
2024: In partnership with South Metro Fire Rescue, Centennial Airport becomes the first in the state of Colorado to implement fluorine-free firefighting foam into our ARFF trucks.
1950s: George M. Wallace, the visionary founder of the Denver Tech Center, begins laying the groundwork for what has become one of the nation's most prominent business parks. Recognizing the critical role an airport plays in supporting such a thriving economic center, Wallace emphasizes the importance of aviation access to the DTC's success.
1968: May 12 – Grand opening of Centennial Airport (formally Arapahoe County Airport).
1970: Construction of crosswind Runway 10/28 is completed.
1975: June 9 – The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority (ACPAA) is created.
1976: Construction of parallel Runway 16R/34L (now Runway 17R/35L) is completed.
1984: July 13 – Arapahoe County Airport officially changes its name to Centennial Airport.
Centennial Airport is a public General Aviation airport, which includes all civil and military aviation operations except for commercial scheduled air services. We act as a reliever airport to help reduce congestion at Denver International Airport. As an international airport with 24/7 U.S. Customs services, we offer non-stop service year-round.
Founded in 1968, Centennial Airport has grown to become one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, in fact the busiest in 2023 with 362,407 aircraft operations. The record year at Centennial occurred in 1998 with 466,267 aircraft operations. An operation is defined by the FAA as a takeoff or a landing. A "touch and go" conducted by a training aircraft counts as two operations.
We serve a wide variety of aviation users from medevac and air ambulance services, military and Department of Defense, flight schools, research and development, private, corporate businesses, charter operations, cargo, and more. Approximately 850 aircraft are based at the airport, including 180 jet aircraft. Spanning both Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, we are home to over 125 businesses, and more than 10,000 jobs in the region rely on the airport.
Apart from aeronautical use, Centennial is a community hub with attractions like the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight museum, Colorado Karting Circuit, Family Sports Center and golf course, the Perfect Landing Restaurant, Avalanche Grill, and a hotel. Additionally, Colorado Skies Academy aerospace-focused middle school, and South Metro Fire Rescue Station 35 are located on-property.
The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority is a quasi-governmental entity that owns and operates Centennial Airport. It is governed by a Board of Commissioners which include five voting members appointed by the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners and three ex-officio Douglas County Commissioners or their appointees.
Centennial Airport is responsible for generating approximately $2.1 billion in direct and indirect economic impact for the local and regional economy according to the CDOT 2020 Airport Economic Impact Report. The economic impact of the Airport is measured through jobs employed, payroll distributed, business revenues, and value added (business revenue earned minus costs of purchasing goods and services). That same year, 10,341 jobs depended on Centennial Airport. Since 2020, Centennial Airport business has increased, and we expect that our economic impact has simultaneously increased.
Centennial Airport is financially self-sufficient through three major categories. Fees and taxes collected by fuel sales account for approximately 50% of our revenue. Land leased to tenants accounts for approximately 35% of our revenue; and includes aeronautical leases such as hangars, and non-aeronautical leases such as the hotel, go-kart track, and golf course. Concessions fees, commercial activity fees, and construction fees account for the remaining approximately 15% of revenue. These percentages fluctuate slightly on an annual basis.
No. Centennial Airport is self-sufficient and funded without local taxpayer money, relying solely on the tenant and users of the airport for its financial support. Centennial Airport does accept Federal and State Grants for capital improvement projects that are also funded through Federal and State taxes on aviation fuel.
Foundation and Educational Support
The Centennial Airport Foundation, a nonprofit supporting education and charitable causes, provides scholarships and contributes to aviation programs such as the Tuskegee Airmen Mile High Flight Program, MSU Denver, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, and Douglas County Legacy Campus. Our Airport Management Internship offers one-year paid placements that prepares graduates for careers in aviation, with many graduates now employed in the industry. 13 of our 24 current fulltime employees began through our internship.
Charity
In addition to the Foundation, we proudly host and sponsor a variety of charitable events and organizations. We're also honored to serve as a base for several causes, allowing nonprofits and similar groups to utilize our airport in their efforts to give back.
Vital Lifeline
Whether through medical evacuation flights transporting patients to care facilities, fueling firefighting aircraft during critical wildfire response hours, or supporting humanitarian missions delivering aid, we connect people in need with essential resources. Additionally, the largest air-ambulance companies in Denver provide service to the entire region through Centennial Airport; transporting patients, blood, and organs to points throughout the state and country. Nestled near 4 major hospitals, we proudly support approximately 50 medical operations per day.
Centennial Airport is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in most weather conditions. Although significantly less than daytime operations, the airport does have aircraft activity at night. Interstate Commerce Laws and Federal Grant Assurances prohibit restrictions on flight times.
Our administrative offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at 7565 S. Peoria St.
In the 1950's before the surrounding area was developed, George M. Wallace began laying the groundwork for what has become one of the nation's most prominent business parks — the Denver Tech Center (DTC). Recognizing the critical role an airport plays in supporting such a thriving economic center, Wallace emphasizes the importance of aviation access to the DTC's success.
On May 12th, 1968, Centennial Airport (formally Arapahoe Public Airport) opened. At the time, Arapahoe Road was only a two-lane dirt road leading to the Airport. Since then, the DTC has grown significantly, and with it, so has residential development and supporting facilities. Centennial Airport continues to work with the surrounding jurisdictions to establish compatible land use surrounding the airport.
Centennial Airport is a public-use airport and accepts federal funding for capital improvement projects. By accepting federal funding, the airport is required to adhere to “grant assurances”, one of which prohibits the restriction of aircraft using the airport, including military aircraft. Centennial Airport sees a variety of military aircraft operations, including F-18s, C130s, Blackhawks, and more. Military aircraft are not held to the same noise standards as civilian aircraft.
Centennial Airport supports the military and the training requirements needed to protect the nation.
Aviation is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates everything from manufacturing of aircraft to flight rules and air traffic control in and out of airports. Because of this, aircraft travel remains the safest form of travel in the world. While aircraft accidents may be highly publicized, they are extremely rare with fewer than .07 deaths per billion passenger miles for aircraft versus 7.28 deaths per billion passenger miles for cars. (Source: Ian Savage, Northwestern University). The likelihood of an aircraft ground strike is many times smaller than getting hit by lightning or sustaining fatal injuries from a car accident.