UPDATE: Durango-La Plata County Airport is set to increase parking rates, impacting travelers just in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday. Starting from November 25, daily parking fees will surge from $9 to $14, as demand is expected to rise by 30% during this peak travel period.
This urgent adjustment comes as the airport grapples with limited parking space. Aviation Director Tony Vicari stated, “We are facing the very real possibility of completely running out of parking options for the public.” The temporary increase will remain in effect until December 5, aiming to encourage alternative transportation methods amidst high demand.
In a permanent change, effective January 1, the daily parking rate will rise to $10. Additionally, aircrew members will see their monthly parking permits increase from $50 to $55. Vicari explained that these adjustments are crucial for funding ongoing airport operations and expansion projects, which include paving an overflow parking lot with 275 spaces in 2024 and adding another 150 spaces this year.
The total investment for these expansions is estimated at $3 million over the next two years, with an additional $4.8 million allocated for 2026 through 2029. “Funding for these projects needs to be secured, and adjusting parking rates is part of our overall funding strategy,” Vicari emphasized.
Currently, the airport has 1,304 available parking spaces, but the surge in demand during holidays has raised concerns. Vicari recommends travelers consider carpooling or local transport to mitigate congestion and avoid increased costs.
The recent notice regarding parking rate hikes has drawn attention from aircrew members, including Dan Fischer, who expressed concern over the financial burden these increases place on personnel. “Aircrew are extremely vetted, upstanding people who contribute to the community,” Fischer stated, highlighting the soaring costs that have escalated from $15 in 2013 to $600 this year for parking permits.
Vicari clarified that the airport operates on enterprise funding, meaning it does not receive city or county support. The increases are essential to sustain operations and infrastructure growth, as nationwide inflation has severely impacted revenue.
The future of the aircrew parking permit program remains uncertain beyond 2026, with discussions ongoing among the Airport Advisory Commission. “While no one likes increased costs, it is essential to understand that the airport must make financial decisions like any other business,” Vicari noted.
As the holiday season approaches, travelers and aircrew alike should prepare for these changes. The airport’s efforts to manage parking during peak periods underscore the need for strategic planning amid rising operational costs. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
