Telluride Regional Airport

TEX originated in the early 1980s and opened in 1984. Commercial airline service began on December 19th, 1985, with Mesa Airlines flying to Albuquerque and Denver using Beechcraft 1900C turboprops. By 1987, Monarch Airlines was serving the airport as well. Furthermore, Rocky Mountain Airways served TEX from 1986 to 1991. From mid-1991 until January 1995, TEX was served by Continental Express and later by Continental Connection. The airport also enjoyed seasonal service during ski season by several airlines, including Skywest Airlines and WestAir Commuter Airlines, during the early 1990s.
Furthermore, Mesa Airlines flights began operating as United Express in 1990. in 1998, Great Lakes Airlines took over the United Express contract, and this service continued until 2002 when the carrier lost its designation as a code-sharing air carrier. At this point, Great Lakes Airlines began operating under its name, a service that continued until 2018 (with a few short breaks). This service was later replaced by Boutique Air (from August 29th, 2018, to October 31st, 2019) and later by Key Lime Air. Over the years, TEX underwent several renovations. In 2009, the runway was closed for renovations, with the west end lowered by 30 feet and the east end by 14 feet. As the center of the runway was known for having a dip in the middle, the materials removed from the ends were placed there to even out the runway.
Furthermore, retaining walls were built on the sides, and 41 feet of length were added to the runway. The renovations cost $24 million. The following year, the airfield safety areas were widened from 150 feet to 250 feet, and an Engineered Materials Arrestor System was installed, allowing larger aircraft to use the airport.

The airport is located six miles west of Telluride. 

• TEX is the highest commercial airport in North America and the second-highest overall. Its height presents several unique issues, including high terrain exceeding 14,000 feet and the airport's position on a plateau with a 1,000-foot drop to the San Miguel River below. 
• TEX featured in an episode of The Grand Tour (with presenters trying to get Jaguar cars up to 100 mph and stopping without going over the cliff). It is also the destination "Telluride Landing" on Microsoft Flight Simulator X. 
• TEX is self-sustaining, with the fees charged used to keep the airport open. A wide range of services is available at the airport to pilots. The Telluride Regional Airport Authority runs the airport.