Grand Junction Regional Airport, Grand Junction, Colorado 1928 39.081801 -108.581676 1048 Independent Avenue Grand Junction Mesa Colorado USA https://www.google.com/maps/place/walker+Field,+airport/@39.0817674,-108.5838756,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x87471cfccbbc Google Map link for Walker Field airport https://gjairport.com/ Website for Grand Junction Regional Airport According to oral history interviewee and flight enthusiast Walter Dalby, Grand Junction's airport was established in 1928. The city purchased land near the current airport's runways, and built a rough landing strip that was graded and graveled. On September 19, 1929, the city built a hangar for two airplanes and installed refueling facilities. Prior to 1928, planes often landed and took off from Lincoln Park. On April 5, 1930, the city council established an agreement with H.T. Sackett, who established a flying school and Mesa Air Transport Inc. On May 12, 1930, a glider club formed, with members using homemade gliders. The Grand Junction Municipal Airport was dedicated on June 14 and 15, 1930. Del Bullock and A.A. Shened, pilots for Mesa Air Transport, performed at the opening. Eddie Drapela taught flying lessons at the airport before World War II, and later became the airport's manager. Because of complaints from pilots about the gravel from the runway nicking propellers, the city paved it in the 1950's. The major southwest-northwest runway was lengthened to 7,500 feet in 1965, so that Boeing 727 jets would have more room to land. According to Dalby, the terminal in the airport's early days was very small, and airlines such as Monarch (later Frontier) and United used their own small hangars. A new terminal was completed around 1949. It was expanded several times, and included a restaurant, bar and security room. Construction of a new terminal was undertaken in the early 1980's under the leadership of airport manager Paul Bowers. The terminal has been remodeled several times since then. The airport's name was changed to Walker Field in 1942, as a nod to the importance of Daily Sentinel publisher Walter Walker in establishing the airport. Clyde Biggs was also instrumental in creating a local airport. The first airline to fly out of Grand Junction was Western Airlines. Its Grand Junction route was eventually purchased by United Airlines. Later, Monarch Airlines, Salinger Airlines, and Continental Airlines all had service from Grand Junction. Horizon Aviation was also a major presence at the airport. As of 2020, over 200,000 people a year boarded flights at the airport. Airlines serving Grand Junction at that time included Allegiant, American, Delta, Denver Air, and United. The airport’s website indicates that service includes eight non-stop flights. yes yes Walker FieldGrand Junction Municipal Airport