⚠️ KASE Closes for One Month — Three Nearby Alternates to Absorb 5.3x Traffic Surge
KASE will close April 23, 2026 for approximately one month of runway maintenance. Avi-Go data shows that during the same period in 2025 (April 23–May 23), KASE handled only 352 operations, while the three main alternates combined logged 1,867 — KEGE (Eagle County) 693, KGJT (Grand Junction) 612, and KRIL (Rifle) 562 — totaling 5.3x KASE's volume. KEGE recorded slightly more arrivals (354) than departures (339) in that window, indicating net inbound flow and making it the most capacity-stressed destination airport during the 2026 closure.
Impact: KEGE FBO operators will face concentrated ground handling pressure. Charter brokers should brief clients on ground transport changes — KEGE to Aspen is approximately 35 minutes, a significant increase over KASE.
Recommendations: KEGE FBOs should complete staffing increases and fuel inventory builds before April 23, 2026, with reserve fuel stocks raised at least 30% above normal levels. Brokers should issue client itinerary advisories and secure KEGE ramp slots before April 23 to avoid resource conflicts during the closure.