Durango-La Plata County Airport Announces Urgent Parking Rate Hikes
URGENT UPDATE: Parking rates at Durango-La Plata County Airport are set to increase significantly, impacting travelers and aircrew members just in time for the busy holiday season. Starting around Thanksgiving, daily parking fees will jump from $9 to $14 between November 25 and December 5, coinciding with the airport’s busiest travel period of the year.
The first permanent rate increase will take effect on January 1, 2024, when the daily parking rate will rise to $10. Additionally, aircrew members will see monthly parking permits’ costs increase from $50 to $55, starting early next year. These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to fund ongoing airport operations and infrastructure projects, according to Aviation Director Tony Vicari.
Vicari stated, “Funding for these projects needs to be secured, and adjusting parking rates is part of our overall funding strategy.” The airport is responding to a surge in parking demand, which increases by 30% during the holiday season. Currently, DRO has 1,304 parking spaces, following recent expansions that cost the airport $3 million in 2024 and 2025, with an additional $4.8 million budgeted for further enhancements through 2029.
The temporary increase in parking rates is essential to manage the crowded conditions expected during Thanksgiving. “We are quite aware that the added cost of surge pricing for parking during the holidays doesn’t feel very festive,” Vicari noted. “But we face the very real possibility of completely running out of parking options for the public if we do not find a way to encourage alternative transportation options.”
Travelers are advised to plan ahead, utilizing drop-off services, carpooling, or local transportation to avoid congestion and rising costs.
The airport operates on an enterprise funding model, which means it does not receive city or county support. Instead, it generates revenue through fees and lease agreements, making these rate increases necessary for future sustainability. Vicari emphasized, “Expanded infrastructure requires funding. It is not realistic to maintain flat fees in an environment where significant capital investments are being made and operating costs continue to grow.”
Concerns have also been raised about the impact of these increases on aircrew members. Dan Fischer, a La Plata County resident and aircrew member, criticized the rising costs, noting that permits have skyrocketed from $15 in 2013 to $600 this year—a staggering 2,400% increase. Fischer stated, “Pretty soon, only major airline captains will be able to afford the $2,000/year to park at work.”
There are currently 84 aircrew members enrolled in the parking program, and concerns about the future of the aircrew parking permit program beyond 2026 are still under review. Vicari acknowledged the program’s financial strain, stating, “The resulting vehicles in our parking lots displace full fare public parking since the airport does not have the space for a separate designated and controlled commuter lot.”
The latest parking fee adjustments have positioned Durango-La Plata County Airport’s rates competitively compared to similar airports in Colorado, such as Montrose and Grand Junction. While no one relishes increased costs, Vicari urged the community to understand that the airport must make financial decisions akin to any other business.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the airport navigates these necessary changes and their implications for travelers and aircrew alike.
