5 Major Upgrades And Expanded Routes That Make Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) Your Essential 2025-2026 Colorado Gateway

Planning your next trip to Colorado's spectacular Western Slope? Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is no longer just a small-town hub; it is rapidly transforming into a major, modern gateway, with significant investments and service expansions rolling out in 2025 and 2026. The latest developments confirm that MTJ is keeping pace with the region's booming tourism and residential growth, offering travelers more convenience and connectivity than ever before.

As of December 2025, the airport is a hive of activity, featuring everything from crucial infrastructure projects to a dramatically expanded flight schedule. This deep dive reveals the most current, must-know information on the airport’s impressive $40 million terminal project, its record-breaking passenger numbers, and the new and expanded air service that solidifies its role as the primary access point for world-class destinations like Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway.

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) Profile and Key Statistics

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) serves as a critical economic engine and transportation nexus for the entire Western Slope of Colorado. Its strategic location makes it the primary year-round and seasonal access point for major resort destinations, particularly the world-renowned ski slopes and festivals of Telluride, located approximately 65 miles to the south. The airport is owned and operated by Montrose County.

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• IATA Code: MTJ
• ICAO Code: KMTJ
• Operator: Montrose County
• Location: Montrose, Colorado, United States
• Key Role: Primary air gateway for Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
• Major Development: Completed a $40 million terminal expansion in 2023 to significantly increase passenger and baggage handling capacity.
• Passenger Growth (Enplanements): The airport recorded 264,973 enplanements in Calendar Year 2024, representing a substantial 8.48% increase from the previous year, highlighting its rapid growth trajectory.

The 5 Biggest Updates at Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) for 2025-2026

The airport’s evolution is marked by strategic investments in both infrastructure and service. These five key updates are essential for any traveler or resident relying on MTJ in the coming seasons.

1. Expanded and Record-Breaking Winter Flight Schedule (2025–2026)

The Colorado Flights Alliance has announced a significantly expanded winter flight schedule for the 2025–2026 season, giving travelers more options to reach the Western Slope. This push for expanded air service is a direct response to the increasing demand from ski enthusiasts and winter tourists heading to Telluride Ski Resort.

• Key Airlines and Destinations: The winter schedule typically includes nonstop service to major hubs, connecting Montrose to the world. Major carriers operating at MTJ include United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Breeze Airways.
• Summer Connectivity: Even outside the peak winter season, the Summer 2025 schedule is robust, with United (DEN), Southwest (DEN), and American (DFW) all running daily or multiple daily flights through the shoulder and summer months.
• Historical Carrier: JetBlue previously served MTJ, connecting the region to three of its focus cities, demonstrating the airport's appeal to diverse carriers.

2. Ongoing Internal Terminal Upgrades and Infrastructure Projects

While the major $40 million terminal expansion was completed in 2023, increasing overall capacity, the work on modernization continues. The airport is actively working on several internal and external projects to enhance the passenger experience and operational efficiency.

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• Flooring Upgrade: As of September 2025, the flooring in the terminal is currently being upgraded, minimizing wear and tear and improving the aesthetic of the passenger areas.
• Fueling System Modernization: A key operational project anticipated for Summer 2025 is the design and installation of a new Airport Diesel Tank Fueling System, a critical upgrade for ground support and vehicle operations.
• Access Road Reconstruction: A significant infrastructure project, the Airport Access Road Reconstruction (AIP Project No. 3-08-0043-064-2024), is underway to improve vehicular flow and safety for travelers arriving and departing the airport.

3. Significant Passenger Growth and Demand

The impressive 8.48% increase in enplanements (departing passengers) in 2024, reaching nearly 265,000, is a clear indicator of MTJ's rising prominence. This substantial growth validates the Montrose County Board of County Commissioners' decision to allocate funds for the extensive Terminal Expansion Project. The capacity expansion ensures the airport can comfortably handle the growing volume of tourists and residents, reducing potential congestion and improving service quality.

4. New Economic Development Near the Airport

The area immediately surrounding the airport is seeing a surge in commercial development, further cementing MTJ's role as a regional economic hub. In June 2025, Amazon announced plans for a new 12,000-square-foot site being constructed near the Montrose Regional Airport. This development is a major boost to local logistics and employment, bringing new jobs and infrastructure to the Montrose area and leveraging the airport’s connectivity.

5. Seamless Access to Major Colorado Destinations

MTJ’s primary function is to provide the fastest and most convenient air access to the jewels of the San Juan Mountains. The expanded flight schedule and modernized terminal directly benefit travelers heading to these iconic locations:

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• Telluride: As the closest major commercial airport, MTJ is the preferred landing spot for visitors to the Telluride Ski Resort and the town’s year-round festivals. The 90-minute drive is scenic and well-serviced by shuttle and car rental options.
• Ouray and Ridgway: Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray and the charming town of Ridgway are easily accessible from MTJ, making the airport a gateway for hot springs, hiking, and outdoor adventure.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: MTJ is the most convenient airport for accessing the dramatic, sheer cliffs and deep gorges of this stunning National Park.

Why Montrose Regional Airport is the Smart Choice

Choosing MTJ over more distant or congested airports offers distinct advantages for travelers to the Western Slope. The combination of a recently expanded, modern terminal and an increasingly diverse flight network makes the travel experience smoother and less stressful. The airport’s management, in partnership with the Colorado Flights Alliance, is clearly focused on strategic, long-term growth, ensuring that the necessary capacity is in place to support the region’s economic vitality.

With major carriers like United, Southwest, and American offering daily service, travelers have reliable connections to major hubs across the country, including Denver (DEN), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and others. The continuous infrastructure improvements, from the new flooring to the access road reconstruction, demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence and passenger comfort. For your next Colorado adventure, Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is positioned as the essential, up-to-date, and efficient gateway you need.