Frequently Asked Questions

When did Centennial Airport open?
How busy is the airport? How is the level of activity at the airport measured?
Where does Centennial rank with regards to level of activity?
What are the airport's hours of operation?
Is there a weight limit at Centennial?
What economic benefit does Centennial provide?
Do you have an airline flight to..?
If there is no airline service, why is Centennial so busy?
Where do I go to pick up a passenger?
How does Centennial provide for the safety of its users and the public?
How do I learn to fly?
Can I fly out of Centennial if I don't own an airplane? It's so close to my house..
What rental car companies operate at Centennial?
What is the name of the restaurant there?

When did Centennial Airport open?

Centennial Airport opened in May of 1968. Much like Denver International, Centennial was considered to be well removed from the urban area at the time of its opening. Many of the business parks and residential developments didn't exist, and most of the area roads weren't paved!

How is the level of activity at the airport measured? How busy is the airport?

Activity levels at airports are measured by aircraft operations. An operation is defined by the FAA as a takeoff or a landing. So, a "touch and go" conducted by a training aircraft counts as two operations.

In 2007, Centennial Airport accommodated 335,648 aircraft operations.That's a takeoff or landing every 36 seconds! The record year at Centennial occurred in 1998, with over 466,000 aircraft operations. See our Airport Data page for operations and fuel sales statistics. (Top)

Where does Centennial rank with regards to level of activity?

Centennial is currently ranked # 3 in the nation among airports that are not certified for airline service, ranked #25 of all airports (including airports like LAX, Chicago's O'Hare, and New York's La Guardia) and Centennial is the only airport in the US to have three FBO's ranked in the top 25 of all US based FBO's.(Top)

What are the airport's hours of operation?

Centennial Airport is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all weather conditions. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F, and there is an Operations Specialist on duty around the clock. See the contacts page for phone and email info. (Top)

Is there a weight limit at Centennial?

There is. Our weight limit is 70,000 lbs. for Stage II aircraft and 75,000 lbs. for Stage III aircraft. The Airport Director or Operations Staff can issue exemptions to the restrictions (PPR). Call (303) 790-0598 for information.(Top)

What economic benefit does Centennial provide?

A 2002 economic impact study performed by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics indicated that Centennial Airport has a $815 million impact on the local and Colorado economies. The study also found that Centennial is #2 behind Denver International Airport in creation of airport jobs in the state.

The economic impacts of Centennial Airport go far beyond any measurable data. The airport is home to a number of Colorado's largest companies and generates a significant amount of business traffic for Denver and Colorado. The airport is used by 32 of the top 100, and 7 of the top 100 Fortune companies. This is our clientele, and Centennial Airport is one of the tools they choose to do business with Denver.

Centennial also provides important benefits to the local community. Examples of these benefits include air ambulance, check transport and air cargo flights. (Top)

Do you have an airline flight to...?

No. Centennial Airport does not have scheduled airline flights. We are a reliever airport to Denver International, which is the airline airport for the area. We do have charter companies that can take you around the world on your schedule. Check our links page for contact info. (Top)

If there is no airline service, why is Centennial so busy?

Centennial is the major local reliever airport for Denver International Airport. A reliever airport is one that accepts smaller, private aircraft so that the major airport (Denver International) can focus its capacity on airline operations.

Because of our wonderful Colorado climate, Centennial also has a large amount of training traffic. Training operations account for approximately 50% of our yearly operations, with the other 50% being corporate traffic. (Top)

Where do I go to pick up a passenger?

Because Centennial does not offer scheduled passenger service, there is no centralized passenger terminal. Businesses or charter companies flying into the airport often drop passengers off at one of the following three locations:

How does Centennial provide for the safety of its users and the public?

We at Centennial Airport are very concerned for the safety of the our users, tenants, and the public. South Metro Fire Rescue has a station on airport property that is specially equipped with aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department patrols the airport regularly and provides police services. Our specially trained Operations staff performs security, emergency response, and snow removal coordination. (Top)

How do I learn to fly?

Centennial has a number of flight schools that would love to help you learn to fly. Visit our links page to set an introductory flight. (Top)

Can I fly out of Centennial if I don't own an airplane? It's so close to my house..

Absolutely. Our charter companies are more than willing to take you anywhere you like. Visit our links page for more information on their services. (Top)

What rental car companies operate at Centennial?

Hertz and Enterprise both have locations on the airport. They are located in the following businesses:

• Denver jetCenter (Go Rentals): (303) 790-4321
• TAC Air (Hertz): (303) 790-2575
• Signature Flight Support (Hertz): (303) 799-8388

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What is the name of the restaurant there?

We have two restaurants on the airport, they are:

• The Avalanche Grill - at the South Suburban Family Sports Center (303) 798-5131
• The Perfect Landing - upstairs at the Denver jetCenter (303) 649-4478

(Top)