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 vital infrastructure, designed to accommodate extremely heavy aircraft and mitigate high density altitude, with construction considering factors like prevailing winds, elevation, and aircraft maximum takeoff weight.
The article highlights specific examples of lengthy civilian runways in the U.S. (e.g., Denver International, JFK) and military runways (e.g., Edwards Air Force Base, Shuttle Landing Facility), as well as notable international long runways.
Runway construction and maintenance are significant investments, costing tens of millions of dollars, with a large portion of FAA Airport Improvement Program funds dedicated to ensuring these surfaces are durable and safe for continuous operation.
Runways are identified by numbers corresponding to the magnetic azimuth of their centerline, and their ongoing maintenance, including materials and lighting systems, is crucial for the safety and reliability of the entire aviation industry.

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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.