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 infrastructure, engineered to accommodate heavy, long-haul aircraft and overcome challenges like high-density altitude, with design factors including wind, elevation, and aircraft maximum takeoff weight.
The article provides examples of these extensive runways across U.S. civil airports (like Denver International) and military bases (such as Edwards Air Force Base), as well as significant international locations.
Building and maintaining these vital runways requires substantial investment, costing tens of millions of dollars, and they consume considerable energy for operations like lighting systems.

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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.