America’s Longest Runways

America’s longest runways—sometimes measuring more than three statute miles (sm) from end to end—are scattered at civilian and military airports across the United States, including New York, Colorado, and California.

Thom Patterson

Monday, April 18, 2022 at 01:12 PM ET

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Colorado’s Denver International Airport (KDEN) includes one of America’s longest runways. [Courtesy: Denver International Airport]

Key Takeaways:

Long runways are critical aviation infrastructure designed to accommodate extremely heavy aircraft and mitigate high density altitude effects, with their design considering factors like elevation, prevailing winds, and maximum takeoff weight.
The article highlights several of the longest civilian and military runways in the U.S. (e.g., Denver International, Edwards Air Force Base) and internationally (e.g., Shigatse Peace Airport in China, Embraer in Brazil), often measuring over three statute miles.
Building and maintaining these precisely constructed runways is a costly endeavor, typically involving tens of millions of dollars, with the FAA's Airport Improvement Program allocating over half its funds to runway-related construction and rehabilitation using materials like concrete and asphalt.

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Editor’s Note: This article is part of special series spotlighting runways: April 18: America’s Longest Runways | America’s Shortest Runways | April 19: 11 Fun Facts About Runways | April 20: Self-healing Concrete and How It Can Save Runways | April 21: FLYING Explained: How Do You Read Airport Markings and Signage | Runway History | April 22: Remembering Meigs Field

Whether they’re stretching out like welcoming arms to greet pilots on final approach, or pointing the way to an initial flight path, America’s longest runways serve as true unsung heroes of aviation.