Centennial Airport (APA): Colorado's Busiest General Aviation Hub
Centennial Airport, designated APA by the FAA, holds the distinction of being one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States, consistently ranking among the top five in annual operations. Located in Englewood just south of the Denver metro area, APA serves as the primary reliever airport for Denver International Airport, handling an enormous volume of private, corporate, and charter flights that would otherwise compete for runway capacity at DEN. The airport sits at an elevation of 5,883 feet above sea level, placing it firmly in high-density altitude territory where pilots must carefully calculate aircraft performance, particularly during warm summer months when takeoff distances increase significantly.
The airport is owned and operated by Arapahoe County and features two runways capable of accommodating a wide range of aircraft from single-engine trainers to large business jets. Centennial is home to numerous fixed base operators (FBOs), flight schools, aircraft maintenance facilities, and corporate aviation departments. The surrounding area in the Englewood and Centennial corridor has attracted aerospace and aviation companies that find the proximity to APA invaluable for business travel. The Colorado Aeronautical Board, operating under CDOT's Division of Aeronautics, recognizes APA as a critical node in the state's general aviation network, supporting economic activity across the Front Range.
Does Centennial Airport have customs facilities for international arrivals?
Centennial Airport (APA) does not have a permanent U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. Pilots arriving from international destinations must file the appropriate CBP forms and typically clear customs at Denver International Airport (DEN) or arrange for a mobile customs inspection through CBP's user fee program in advance.
What runway lengths are available at Centennial Airport?
Centennial Airport has two primary runways. Runway 10/28 measures 10,002 feet and Runway 17L/35R measures 7,000 feet, making the airport capable of handling large business jets and turboprops. The long runway 10/28 is particularly valuable given the high-altitude density altitude conditions that reduce aircraft performance.
How does the high altitude at APA affect flight operations?
At 5,883 feet MSL, Centennial Airport is well into the range where density altitude significantly reduces engine output and aerodynamic lift. On a hot summer afternoon, the density altitude can exceed 8,000 feet, requiring pilots—especially those operating piston-engine aircraft—to carefully compute takeoff and landing performance and carry reduced fuel or payload loads accordingly.
Is instrument flight training available at Centennial Airport?
Yes. Several flight schools at Centennial Airport offer full instrument flight training programs. The airport's position within the Denver TRACON airspace and proximity to the Denver ARTCC makes it an excellent environment for pilots to gain experience with complex airspace procedures, IFR routing, and coordination with approach control.
What fuel services are available at APA?
Centennial Airport has multiple FBOs offering 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel with and without additives. Services typically include self-serve 100LL pumps for cost-conscious GA pilots as well as full-service fueling for corporate and charter operators requiring line service.
Centennial Airport - APA Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Englewood, Colorado.
| Name | Centennial Airport - APA |
| Address | 7800 South Peoria Street, Englewood CO 80112 Map |
| Phone | (303) 790-0598 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Centennial Airport - APA
Planning Your Visit to Centennial Airport
Centennial Airport is accessible via South Peoria Street in Englewood, Colorado, and is well-connected to the Denver metro highway system. E-470 and I-25 provide straightforward routes for ground transportation to and from the airport. A variety of rental car companies serve APA, and the airport's proximity to the Denver Tech Center and the Centennial business corridor means there are extensive hotel, dining, and corporate service options within minutes of the facility. Pilots and passengers arriving by air can expect professional FBO services including crew cars, catering coordination, and hangar accommodations.
As a general aviation reliever in the FAA's Northwest Mountain Region, APA complements Denver International Airport by absorbing the region's significant private and business aviation traffic. The airport's elevation and mountain proximity mean weather can change rapidly, and pilots should always check ASOS/AWOS data and obtain a thorough weather briefing from 1800wxbrief.com or ForeFlight before departure or arrival. Centennial Airport plays an essential role in Colorado's aviation infrastructure, connecting the Denver suburbs to destinations across the Front Range and beyond.