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:

America's longest runways are critical aviation infrastructure, essential for accommodating heavy aircraft and mitigating environmental challenges like high density altitude, serving both civilian and military needs across the U.S. and internationally.
Their construction requires extensive engineering, considering factors such as wind patterns and elevation, incurring costs in the tens of millions for initial build and ongoing maintenance, primarily using concrete and asphalt.
Runways are numerically identified by their magnetic azimuth, and their complex operational systems, including specialized lighting, consume significant energy, highlighting the substantial investment in their continuous upkeep and safety.

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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.