Wyoming Airports: Complete Guide to Commercial Aviation in the Cowboy State

Note: Business airports serve multi-county areas and accommodate larger business jet activity. Intermediate and local airports support recreational users and emergency services.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is by far the busiest airport in Wyoming, with 1,061,176 total passengers in 2024, making it the airport's busiest year in 25 years. JAC is unique as the only commercial airport in the United States located inside a national park (Grand Teton National Park). The airport is served by five major airlines year-round (Alaska, American, Delta, United, and Sun Country) with up to 21 non-stop destinations during peak seasons. The second busiest is Casper/Natrona County International Airport (CPR) with 196,335 passengers in 2024.

Wyoming has 9 commercial service airports offering scheduled passenger flights. These are Jackson Hole (JAC), Casper/Natrona County International (CPR), Yellowstone Regional in Cody (COD), Northeast Wyoming Regional in Gillette (GCC), Cheyenne Regional (CYS), Central Wyoming Regional in Riverton (RIW), Southwest Wyoming Regional in Rock Springs (RKS), Sheridan County (SHR), and Laramie Regional (LAR). All nine airports qualified as primary commercial service facilities in 2024, each handling at least 10,000 passengers. Seven of these airports receive subsidized service through the federal Essential Air Service program, with Jackson Hole and Casper being the only airports with non-subsidized service.

All nine commercial airports in Wyoming offer direct flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), making it the state's most important hub connection. Eight airports (Casper, Cody, Gillette, Cheyenne, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, and Laramie) have Denver as their only non-stop destination, served by United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines. Jackson Hole Airport also offers Denver service via United, along with multiple other destinations. United Airlines dominates Wyoming's aviation market with 65% market share statewide, and Denver serves as the primary connection point for Wyoming travelers to reach destinations worldwide.

Six Wyoming airports offer free parking: Central Wyoming Regional in Riverton (RIW), Yellowstone Regional in Cody (COD), Cheyenne Regional (CYS), Sheridan County (SHR), Laramie Regional (LAR), and Northeast Wyoming Regional in Gillette (GCC). Southwest Wyoming Regional in Rock Springs (RKS) recently implemented a $6/day parking fee starting November 2024, though the first 4 hours remain free. Jackson Hole Airport charges $25-30 per day depending on demand (with the first 90 minutes free), and Casper/Natrona County International charges $6/day for long-term parking (free for the first 4 hours in short-term). The availability of free parking at most Wyoming airports is a significant advantage compared to larger metropolitan airports.

The Essential Air Service (EAS) is a federal program that subsidizes commercial air service to smaller communities that would otherwise lack profitable routes. Seven of Wyoming's nine commercial airports depend on EAS subsidies: Cody, Gillette, Cheyenne, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, and Laramie. Only Jackson Hole Airport and Casper/Natrona County International Airport operate without EAS support. The program ensures these smaller Wyoming communities maintain vital connections to the national air transportation network, primarily through United Express service to Denver. In 2024, enplanements for the four Capacity Purchase Agreement markets in Wyoming grew 21% over 2023, more than five times the national average, demonstrating the program's success in maintaining air connectivity.

Wyoming does not have permanent TSA PreCheck enrollment centers. However, Jackson Hole Airport periodically hosts enrollment events in partnership with IDEMIA, a TSA PreCheck-authorized enrollment provider. These events typically run for several days with appointment times from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The enrollment fee is $78, and applicants must bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and provide fingerprints and a photo. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days. Alternatively, Wyoming residents can travel to permanent enrollment centers in Idaho Falls, Idaho or Salt Lake City, Utah. Once enrolled, TSA PreCheck expedited screening is available at Jackson Hole Airport and Casper/Natrona County International Airport.

Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is served by five major airlines. Year-round service is provided by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Sun Country Airlines offers seasonal service. During peak winter and summer seasons, Jackson Hole offers non-stop service to up to 21 destinations across the United States. Popular year-round routes include Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and San Francisco. Seasonal routes include Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York JFK, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington Dulles. The longest route from Jackson is to New York JFK on American Airlines, covering 1,888 miles in approximately 5 hours. This variety of airline service makes Jackson Hole the best-connected airport in Wyoming by far.

Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming is the year-round aviation gateway to Yellowstone National Park, located approximately 52 miles from the park's East Entrance. The airport handled 74,732 passengers in 2024 and offers daily United Express service to Denver. However, Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is even closer to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone's South Entrance, and it's actually located inside Grand Teton National Park itself, making it the only commercial airport in the United States situated within a national park. Jackson Hole Airport offers significantly more flight options with service from five airlines and up to 21 destinations. For visitors prioritizing Yellowstone's main attractions accessed via the West Entrance, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana is often considered, though it's outside Wyoming.

Central Wyoming Regional Airport in Riverton (formerly Riverton Regional Airport, renamed in 2020) experienced a major service disruption during COVID-19 but has made a remarkable comeback. SkyWest Airlines suspended service for more than two years starting in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, on June 1, 2024, SkyWest resumed twice-daily round-trip flights to Denver operating as United Express. The return of this enhanced service produced immediate results: the airport recorded 21,704 commercial passenger enplanements in 2024, the highest number in more than 25 years, surpassing the previous record of 16,847 set in 2008. This represents approximately a 29% increase over 2023 and demonstrates strong pent-up demand for air service in central Wyoming. The airport serves both Riverton and nearby Lander.

Wyoming airports achieved record-breaking performance in 2024, with an 11% statewide increase in air passengers compared to 2023. All nine commercial airports reported increases, marking one of the strongest growth years in state aviation history. Jackson Hole Airport set a 25-year record with 1,061,176 passengers (up 5.8% from 1,002,980 in 2023). Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport in Gillette recorded 62,064 passengers, making it the second busiest year in airport history (14% increase). Central Wyoming Regional in Riverton achieved a 25-year record with over 21,000 enplanements. Casper saw significant growth to 196,335 passengers (up 16.5% from 168,622). Enplanements for the four Capacity Purchase Agreement markets grew 21% over 2023, more than five times the national average. United Airlines, which holds 65% of the statewide market, saw a 10% increase in passengers, while Delta carried approximately 300,000 passengers (1% increase).