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, designed to accommodate heavy, long-haul aircraft and mitigate factors like high density altitude, with design considerations including prevailing winds, elevation, and aircraft weight.
The article highlights specific examples of lengthy runways across the U.S. (including major civilian airports like Denver and military bases like Edwards AFB) and internationally (such as Shigatse Peace in China and Upington Airport in South Africa).
Runways require substantial investment for planning, construction (using concrete and asphalt), and ongoing maintenance, with costs covering materials and significant energy consumption for 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.