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, meticulously engineered to accommodate extremely heavy, long-haul aircraft and mitigate effects of high density altitude, with designs factoring in prevailing winds, elevation, and terrain.
The development and upkeep of these runways require substantial financial investment, often costing tens of millions of dollars for planning, construction, and ongoing maintenance, with a significant portion of FAA funds allocated to this infrastructure.
The article details several of the longest civilian runways in the U.S. (e.g., Denver International, JFK) and military facilities (e.g., Edwards Air Force Base, Shuttle Landing Facility), alongside notable international examples.

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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.