The Surprising Truth: Which Airport Is Truly The Biggest In Wyoming? (2025 Update)

The question of the "biggest airport in Wyoming" has a surprising, two-part answer that depends entirely on your definition. As of the latest data in December 2025, the title is split: one airport dominates in passenger traffic and is the gateway to the state’s most famous national parks, while another holds the crown for the largest physical area and serves as the state's only international port. This deep dive will break down the true scale of Wyoming's air travel hubs, from the busiest terminals to the most expansive runways, offering a fresh look at the state's essential infrastructure and its recent multi-million dollar upgrades. The Cowboy State is home to a unique collection of commercial airports, each serving a distinct purpose for tourism, business, and local communities. While none of them rival the scale of major international hubs like Denver or Salt Lake City, they are crucial arteries for the region. Understanding which one is the "biggest" requires looking beyond simple square footage to include passenger volume, economic impact, and recent development projects that are shaping the future of air travel in Wyoming.

The Busiest: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) - The Passenger King

When most travelers ask for the biggest airport, they are referring to the one with the highest passenger volume—the busiest terminal—and by this metric, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the undisputed champion. Located just seven miles north of the town of Jackson, JAC is not just a high-traffic hub; it is a globally unique facility, being the only commercial airport in the United States situated entirely within the boundaries of a National Park (Grand Teton National Park).

Why Jackson Hole is Wyoming's Busiest Gateway

Jackson Hole Airport’s incredible passenger numbers are a direct result of its proximity to world-class tourist destinations. It serves as the primary gateway to the iconic Jackson Hole area, Grand Teton National Park, and the southern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. * Annual Passenger Volume: JAC consistently handles the largest share of total passenger traffic in Wyoming, making it the state's busiest air travel hub. * Peak Season Traffic: Passenger volumes spike dramatically during the winter ski season and the summer national park visitation months, driving its overall numbers far above its competitors. * Aesthetic and Design: The airport recently completed a major renovation and expansion project, with the new design unveiled in late 2022. This expansion embraced the surrounding natural environment, featuring stunning architecture that utilizes natural materials and offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range. * Recent 2024/2025 Developments: The airport has continued to invest in its facilities, completing a $3.3 million expansion project in 2024 and initiating new capital and environmental projects in 2025 to manage its growing operational demands and maintain its unique ecological setting. The airport’s success is intrinsically linked to the region’s tourism industry, with major carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines offering seasonal and year-round service, connecting travelers directly to major US hubs. This connectivity is vital for the local economy, solidifying JAC's position as the state's most economically impactful airport.

The Largest: Casper–Natrona County International Airport (CPR) - The Physical Giant

If the definition of "biggest" is based on total physical area and infrastructure, the title belongs to the Casper–Natrona County International Airport (CPR). Located northwest of Casper, this facility is a sprawling hub that plays a crucial role in both the state’s economy and its national defense infrastructure.

Key Statistics and Unique Infrastructure

CPR is the largest airport in Wyoming by acreage, covering a massive 5,150 acres. This vast footprint is necessary to accommodate its impressive runway system, which is arguably the most significant in the state. * Acreage: 5,150 acres, making it the largest airport in Wyoming by land area. * Runway Length: It features a primary runway (3/21) measuring an impressive 10,165 feet (3,098 meters) and a crosswind runway (8/26) at 8,679 feet. These long runways are capable of handling large cargo and military aircraft, a capability few other Wyoming airports possess. * International Status: CPR is the only designated Port of Entry in Wyoming, officially classifying it as an International Airport. This allows it to clear international flights, including commercial, private, and cargo, directly into the state, handling over 500 international flights annually. * Passenger Volume: While not the busiest, CPR still serves a significant number of travelers, with over 100,000 passengers and 43,000 aircraft operations passing through each year. This massive size and infrastructure are remnants of its history as a former US Army Air Force base during World War II. Today, its expansive area and long runways make it a critical site for general aviation, air cargo, and military operations, distinguishing it from the tourism-focused Jackson Hole Airport.

A Closer Look at Wyoming's Other Major Commercial Airports

While Jackson Hole and Casper take the top spots for busiest and largest, respectively, several other commercial airports are vital to the state’s transportation network. These regional hubs contribute to the state's total passenger traffic, which surpassed 1.4 million travelers in 2023. * Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS): Located in the state capital, CYS is a major regional player, especially for business and government travel. It has seen recent attention and is a key focus for state air service enhancement grants, ensuring its continued role as a major hub for southeastern Wyoming. * Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA) in Cody: Serving the eastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, YRA is another crucial tourism gateway. Its passenger numbers are highly seasonal, reflecting the park's visitation schedule. * Laramie Regional Airport (LAR): Serving the University of Wyoming and the city of Laramie, LAR plays an important role in connecting the state’s educational and research sectors. It is also noted for its significant physical size (1,580 acres), though smaller than Casper. * Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) in Rock Springs: This airport serves the industrial and energy sectors of the state and has seen strong growth in recent years, highlighting the diverse economic drivers of Wyoming air travel.

The Final Verdict: Defining "Biggest" in the Cowboy State

The title of "biggest airport in Wyoming" is a matter of perspective, reflecting the state's unique geography and economic drivers. | Airport | Primary Metric for "Biggest" Title | Key Feature | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) | Busiest (Passenger Volume) | Only commercial airport in a U.S. National Park (Grand Teton) and primary gateway to Yellowstone. | | Casper–Natrona County International Airport (CPR) | Largest (Physical Size/Acreage) | Covers 5,150 acres, features the longest runways, and is Wyoming's only official International Port of Entry. | For the average traveler planning a trip to the national parks or a ski vacation, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the most relevant answer, as it handles the vast majority of commercial flights and passengers. For air cargo, military operations, or large-scale infrastructure, Casper–Natrona County International Airport (CPR) is the definitive largest. Both airports, along with the other regional hubs, are essential components of Wyoming’s evolving transportation landscape, ensuring that the Cowboy State remains connected to the world while preserving its rugged, natural charm.