Airport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

History & General Information

Owned and operated by the City of Boulder, the Boulder Municipal Airport (BMA) is located in the 3300 block of Airport Rd, three miles northeast of Boulder's central business district.  The airport started operations as a small landing strip in 1928 and now serves the general aviation needs of the community by providing business-related flying; fire and rescue services; recreational flying; flight training; parachuting; gliding; and other aviation-related activities.

The airport generates revenue for the city through leasing airport facilities and hangars to commercial aviation companies and individual aircraft owners. Fourteen businesses currently operate from the Boulder Municipal Airport, and in 2008, the airport contributed more than $60 million into the local economy.

Although the airport is open to the general public and to visiting aircraft, no commercial airlines operate here. There are currently 190 aircraft based at the airport. Businesses operating from the airport include a commercial glider operator, glider-soaring clubs, flight training schools, aircraft maintenance facilities, helicopter parts manufacturing, aircraft sales, and a parachuting company.  Click here for a complete directory of on-airport businesses. 

Based on 2008 data, approximately 50,000 take-offs and landings are conducted annually. The airport is open for day and night operations, and the terminal building is open to the general public during between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Airspace and The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has exclusive control of the airspace over the United States. All airspace users are subject to the rules and regulations of the FAA. These regulations cover aircraft and pilot registrations, operational control of all aircraft in the air, traffic patterns, altitude, noise, safety matters and a myriad of other aviation-related matters. The regulations are known as "FARs" - Federal Aviation Regulations.

What is the City’s Role in Airport Operations?

The city is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the airport. The city works to balance the impacts of airport operations and the needs of airport users with the needs of the community. This is primarily achieved through the city’s power of land use control. The city controls its land use around the Boulder Municipal Airport and procedures for aircraft operations and noise abatement. The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) outlines the policy for land use around the airport and the airport master plan outlines operations of the airport. The BVCP can be viewed at the city’s main library and at the Planning Department. The Boulder Municipal Airport master plan can also be reviewed at the city’s main library or at the airport.

What airlines fly into Boulder Municipal Airport?

Boulder Municipal Airport is not served by a commercial airline. Passengers flying into the Denver/Boulder area are suggested to use Denver International Airport for their travel needs. There are plenty of private shuttle services and a public bus service (RTD SkyRide) that will provide ground transportation between Denver International Airport and the Boulder Area.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 September 2009 22:54