New Wind-Reporting Policy Linked to Increased Aspen Flight Delays
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport saw a noticeable uptick in flight delays, diversions, and cancellations this summer following a new Federal Aviation Administration policy requiring the control tower to report average wind speeds instead of instantaneous readings. This adjustment, while aimed at improving safety, coincided with one of the windiest summers in recent memory—creating additional challenges for pilots and travelers alike.
Key Points:
The FAA switched from instantaneous to average wind-speed reporting after a 2022 runway overrun incident.
Pilots now receive average wind readings, requiring longer waits for favorable takeoff or landing conditions.
Summer 2025 recorded a 94.4% flight completion rate, down from an average of 97.5% in previous years.
Airport officials attribute the disruptions to both the reporting change and unusually windy weather.
While the new reporting policy enhances safety measures, Aspen travelers should expect continued adjustments as the FAA refines procedures and local weather patterns remain unpredictable.
By: Skyler Stark-Ragsdale | The Aspen Times | Oct 7, 2025
Photo: Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times