Durango, CO: **The Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) experienced record passenger traffic in June, with passenger counts up 15% compared to June of last year. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 13% over 2025. June’s 59,048 total passengers also represent an all-time single-month record at DRO, eclipsing the prior record established in July of 2025.
Aviation Director Tony Vicari said the continued increase reflects both rising demand from local travelers and the broader regional momentum. “We’re seeing sustained growth across all traveler categories: visitors, business travelers, and residents flying out of DRO as their preferred airport. June’s numbers demonstrate that demand remains higher than ever, and we’re working hard to stay ahead of that growth.”
Construction on DRO’s expanded terminal remains on schedule for completion this fall, representing one of the most significant upgrades in the airport’s history. The expanded terminal will increase passenger circulation space, add new amenities, and modernize security and baggage operations. Recent openings of a new TSA screening checkpoint and primary American Airlines boarding gate represent major project milestones. New food and beverage concession areas are currently under construction, with openings projected in early to mid-fall.
To better accommodate rising demand for vehicle parking, DRO will implement a new parking access system in August. The upgraded system will streamline entry and exit, and improve and expand available payment options. License plate recognition technology is anticipated to expedite the entry and exit process, helping travelers move through the parking lots efficiently. The initiative supports long-term plans to modernize airport infrastructure and improve the traveler experience, especially during peak seasonal periods.
About Durango-La Plata County Airport
Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is the primary regional airport for Southwest Colorado, Northwest New Mexico, and the entire Four Corners region. DRO welcomed approximately 560,000 total passengers in 2025 and generates over $342 million in annual economic impact within the region. DRO is served by two major U.S. airlines (American Airlines and United Airlines), offering year-round daily nonstop routes to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Phoenix (PHX), and seasonally to Houston (IAH).
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.
Learn more about the Durango-La Plata County Airport at FlyDurango.com. Follow us on social media at twitter.com/DROAirport and facebook.com/DROAirport
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion? Check out our Engage Durango page for the latest updates on current projects. Let us know through our “Contact Us” form. Want to receive releases on city news? Sign up for Notify Me and select "City of Durango News Flash."
Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis