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 heavy aircraft and mitigate the effects of high density altitude, with construction taking into account factors like prevailing winds, temperatures, elevation, and maximum aircraft takeoff weight.
The article highlights some of the longest runways in the U.S., including Denver International (16,000 ft) and military facilities like Edwards Air Force Base (15,024 ft), as well as international examples such as Shigatse Peace Airport in China (16,404 ft).
Planning, building, and maintaining these essential runways, primarily made of concrete and asphalt, costs tens of millions of dollars, with significant FAA funding allocated for their construction and rehabilitation to ensure consistent and reliable operation.

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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.