Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC), the only airport servicing the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will close for several months this spring due to a runway reconstruction project. The closure also means the airport’s only fixed base operator, Jackson Hole Aviation LLC, will be temporarily inaccessible. Private fliers hoping to make it to the popular Wild West valley town and world-renowned ski destination through the end of June will have to do some additional planning—but don’t worry, there are other options! Here’s everything you need to know about flying privately to the area during the Jackson Hole Airport closure.
More: A Private Jet Traveler’s Guide To Visiting Jackson Hole
JACKSON HOLE AIRPORT CLOSING 2022
WHEN DOES JACKSON HOLE AIRPORT CLOSE?
The airport will close on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 10 p.m., after which there will be no flight operations at Jackson Hole Airport or the Jackson Hole Aviation FBO until this phase of the project is finished.
HOW LONG WILL JACKSON HOLE AIRPORT BE CLOSED?
The closure is expected to last 78 days, running through Monday, June 27, 2022. Jackson Hole Airport and Jackson Hole Aviation LLC are expected to reopen Tuesday, June 28 at 6 a.m.
WHY IS JACKSON HOLE AIRPORT CLOSING?
The airport is in the second phase of a runway reconstruction project that was started in the summer of 2021. The current runway was built in the late 1970s and has already been refurbished four times, so now it is being completely rebuilt to adhere to FAA safety standards. According to Jackson Hole Airport, the total costs of the project amount to $38.8 million.
“During the 78 days, our construction partners and we are committed to guaranteeing that this project is completed efficiently, with minimal impacts, and adheres to the highest environmental standards we can achieve on such a project,” airport officials wrote on their website.
The project’s first phase ran from June-October 2021 and consisted of staging work for reconstruction; a third phase for runway grooving and striping will run from July-August 2022, but will not disrupt airport operations.
AIRPORTS CLOSE TO JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
There are several alternative airports to fly into if you’re travelling to Jackson Hole during the airport closure, but you should be aware that these airports are all preparing to experience heavier traffic during the closure. “During construction, operators should expect possible delays and additional requirements at alternate airports as those airfields work to accommodate increased flight operations,” NBAA Air Traffic Services Manager Dean Snell warned.
The following locations have been recommended as alternatives to Jackson Hole Airport by the NBAA:
Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (KDIJ) in Driggs, Idaho
FBO: Teton Aviation Center
Driving distance to Jackson Hole: 48 minutes
The closest alternative to Jackson Hole Airport, KDIJ will likely see the highest increase in air traffic. As such, Prior Permission Required (PPR) requests or reservations if you’re planning to use the airport, and Teton Aviation Center General Manager Peter Kline said the airport expects to be fully booked during the closure. Kline told the NBAA the airport is increasing staff and extending hours to prepare for “an unprecedented amount of general aviation traffic.”
Teton Aviation Center has their own page on policies and procedures during the JAC closure, which you can view here.
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (KIDA) in Idaho Falls, Idaho
FBO: Aero Mark, Inc.
Driving distance to Jackson Hole: 1 hour 50 minutes
The second-busiest airport in Idaho after Boise Airport, Idaho Falls does not currently require a reservation or PPR, but the NBAA said this may change “based on traffic flows” and that operators should contact the FBO ahead of time to coordinate.
Rexburg-Madison County Airport (KRXE) in Rexburg, Idaho
FBO: Rexburg Air Service
Driving distance to Jackson Hole: 1 hour 38 minutes
Afton Municipal Airport (KAFO) in Afton, Wyoming
FBO: Eagle Flight Services
Driving distance to Jackson Hole: 1 hour 22 minutes
For several additional out-of-state airport alternatives that are further from Jackson Hole, visit the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce’s Temporary Spring 2022 Airport Closure Toolkit.
FLYING PRIVATE TO JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING?
Whether you’re looking to fly privately to Jackson Hole during or after the airport closure, our Private Aviation Consultants will work with you to ensure every aspect of your trip is safe, seamless, and enjoyable. To book a flight to Jackson Hole, call 877-550-5387 today, or click below.
