(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics announced the results of the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study that showed airports contribute billions to the state’s economy.

The study aimed to quantify the economic contributions of airports across the state and update the analysis conducted in 2020. The study evaluated the economic impact of on-airport activities and visitor spending along with air cargo operations, driving economic growth and supporting the agriculture industry.

“The aeronautics industry in Colorado creates jobs, boosts economic growth, and contributes to the success of our agricultural and trade partnerships. International and domestic air travel in Colorado has contributed to aeronautical business retention within our state, and opened up job opportunities that have fostered a skilled workforce here in Colorado,” said Governor Jared Polis.

The study looked at 66 public-use airports in Colorado, measuring contributions in terms of employment, payroll, value-added, and total revenue, and found the airports collectively contributed $68.9 billion in annual revenue, supported 348,500 jobs with a total payroll of $23.5 billion and contribute $40.3 billion in value added.

CDOT said this study showed a 42% increase in annual revenue from 2020 to 2025.

“This crucial study underscores the vital importance of airports and air travel for communities large and small throughout Colorado,” said Colorado Aeronautical Board Chair Kent Holsinger.