Aspen Airport Temporarily Suspends Flights Due to Nearby Wildfire
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport suspended flights on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, due to wildfire activity in the area, but said on Thursday morning that despite the fire, airlines “expect to operate as normally as possible.”
“Travelers should continue to check directly with their airline for the latest updates on flights,” a social media post from the airport read. The airport’s website showed some delays on Thursday morning.
A wildfire, dubbed the Kittle Fire, broke out roughly 3.5 miles southwest of Ruedi Reservoir on Wednesday and has since grown above 20 acres.
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is located south of the reservoir, as the crow flies, and just up the road from Snowmass Village, Aspen Highlands, and the town of Aspen.
According to updates from the WatchDuty app and the US Forest Service’s White River National Forest, four single-engine tankers and a helicopter were responding to the fire on Wednesday.
The White River National Forest said Thursday morning that 70 firefighters are working to construct a line around the fire with helicopter support and additional aircraft available if needed.
A social media post from the airport said that the Kittle fire is located along the airport’s approach and departure path. On Wednesday, air tankers and firefighting helicopters were using the same corridor as planes departing and arriving at the airport, prompting the temporary flight restriction.
A video shared by the airport also showed aerial fire crews using water from the Frying Pan River while working on the Kittle Fire.
Commercial flights from Denver, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Houston, and other major hubs fly in and out of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport regularly, as do private flights.
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