The Wyoming Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division has released the 2026 Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study, highlighting the significant role Wyoming public airports play in supporting the state’s economy, local communities and overall quality of life.
Of Wyoming’s 40 publicly owned, public-use airports, the study examined the 34 paved commercial service and general aviation airports, showing how each contributes to commerce, transportation, tourism and economic activity across the state.
The study found that Wyoming airports generate approximately $1.9 billion in direct annual economic activity, support 13,306 direct jobs, and help bring approximately 717,000 business and recreational visitors to Wyoming each year through commercial airline services and general aviation.
The economic benefits of aviation extend well beyond airport property. Airport businesses purchase goods and services from other Wyoming businesses, employees spend their earnings in local communities, and suppliers hire workers and purchase materials to support aviation-related activity. These dollars circulate through Wyoming’s economy generating additional jobs, payroll and spending. These secondary effects are known as indirect and induced impacts. Combined with direct impacts, they make up the total economic impact of Wyoming’s airport system.
In total, Wyoming’s airports support an estimated 21,683 jobs and $3.5 billion in annual economic impact, consisting of $1.4 billion in payroll and $2.1 billion in spending.
“This study demonstrates just how important Wyoming’s airports are to the economic vitality of our communities and our state,” WYDOT Aeronautics Administrator Shawn Burke said. “From supporting local businesses and jobs to connecting residents, visitors and industries, aviation is an essential part of Wyoming’s transportation system. We are proud of the work happening across the state to strengthen and improve aviation in Wyoming.”
The study evaluated five categories of economic activity at each airport: general aviation visitor spending, commercial aviation visitor spending, capital investment, airport business tenants and airport management. The Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study can be found on the WYDOT Aeronautics webpage.
