Travelers flying in and out of GJT will soon notice a smoother, easier airport experience as upgrades move forward.

Big changes are coming to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), and while you won’t see bulldozers tomorrow, the groundwork has been laid.

Airport officials approved a new round of improvements at a board meeting on July 29—part of a broader push to make Colorado’s westernmost airport more efficient, less stressful, and ready for future growth.

More Parking Means Less Holiday Panic

If you’ve ever circled the GJT lot before a flight, sweating over whether you’ll find a spot before your boarding gate closes, you’re not alone.

Right now, the airport has nearly 1,000 parking spaces, and according to staff, it’s not cutting it—especially during peak travel times.

That’s why the airport is moving forward with plans to add over 300 additional parking spots, just in time for the 2025 holiday rush.

Short and real: Think Thanksgiving, when the current lot usually fills up fast.

Angela Padalecki, GJT’s Chief Financial Officer, said the decision is about giving passengers breathing room before they even step into the terminal.

“When you can’t find a spot, you can feel that clock ticking. And we sense that anxiety level rising in our travelers,” Padalecki said.

The airport had to rely on overflow parking during Thanksgiving 2024—something they’re hoping to avoid this year with the expansion.

New Signs Coming to Help You Stop Getting Lost

Ever walked into a small airport and still managed to get turned around?

Apparently, it happens more often than you’d think at GJT.

That’s why one of the approved upgrades is a new internal signage system, set to be installed in early 2026.

Padalecki said the goal is to give passengers immediate visual confirmation of where they’re headed—without needing to ask staff or pull out their phones every five steps.

Here’s what travelers will benefit from:

• Clear directional signage to key areas: TSA, baggage claim, rental cars, restrooms.

• Better visibility near entrances and exits.

• Signposts positioned for passengers heading to badging offices or less obvious spots.

Small airport or not, the improvements will help reduce confusion and make navigating GJT more intuitive—especially for first-time visitors.

A Small Airport with Big Goals

While Denver International grabs headlines for billion-dollar terminals and train tunnels, Grand Junction is focusing on efficiency, comfort, and local needs.

This round of upgrades is just a stepping stone, says Padalecki.

She hinted that more improvements are coming, though no official plans have been announced beyond signage and parking.

One-sentence insight: “The parking expansion is just the start of something bigger,” she said.

That suggests GJT is preparing for more than just seasonal travel spikes—it’s likely planning for long-term growth.

Why Now? Timing and Travel Trends Matter

You might wonder why GJT is making moves now. The answer’s simple: demand.

Over the past few years, Colorado’s western slope has seen steady growth in both tourism and population. Grand Junction has become a more attractive fly-in destination for hikers, bikers, and even business travelers avoiding Denver’s chaos.

And with airlines adding more direct routes to regional airports across the U.S., places like GJT are suddenly a bigger deal.

Here’s how regional airports like GJT are benefiting:

The upgrades are about keeping up—not catching up.

What Flyers Should Expect Next

If you’re flying out of GJT soon, you won’t see backhoes and orange cones just yet. The changes are being planned and phased for minimum disruption.

But over the next several months:

• Expect to see parking construction begin before the holiday season.

• Watch for early signage placements or temporary markers guiding foot traffic.

• Look out for construction zones being cordoned off inside or near the terminal.

It’s not going to feel like a construction site. Padalecki said maintaining the airport’s ease-of-use remains a top priority, even during expansion.

So while it may not be flashy, this project could end up being one of the most traveler-friendly investments GJT has made in years.