The Greeley-Weld County Airport began operations at its current location in June 1944. Its establishment was largely driven by a petition campaign led by local aviators, notably Clarence F. “Red” Crosier. Crosier, a dedicated pilot, was tragically killed while flying a B-26 during a pre-D-Day air raid over France. In honor of his service and leadership, the airport was originally named Greeley Municipal Airport and formally dedicated as Crosier Field on September 24, 1944. A portrait of Red Crosier unveiled at the dedication ceremony still hangs on the mezzanine level of the airport terminal today.
Commercial operations at the airport began in August 1947 when Challenger Airlines launched passenger, air mail, and express service using Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Substantial airport improvements began in late 1949, with the installation of the first major airfield lighting system in 1950, allowing for nighttime operations. The 1950's saw continued development, including the construction of new hangars and supporting facilities, with further infrastructure improvements continuing into the early 1960s.
In 1963, Weld County partnered with the City of Greeley to jointly own and operate the airport. During the 1960's, additional hangars were added, and a new terminal and administrative building was completed in 1964. By 1971, initial discussions had begun regarding the airport’s long-term expansion and development.
A major milestone occurred in 1978 when the Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority was created through a joint resolution by the City and County under the Colorado Public Airport Authority Act. This marked the beginning of independent governance for the airport. One of the Authority’s first actions was hiring the airport’s first full-time professional Airport Manager.
Growth continued through the 1980's, with ongoing construction of hangars and other minor projects. A significant expansion began in 1996, focusing on a comprehensive overhaul of airport infrastructure. This included the construction of a new 10,000-foot runway and parallel taxiway system, a new terminal and administration building, and substantial landside improvements to support commercial development and accessibility. The new runway and terminal officially opened in 2000, with final airfield construction completed by 2003. Between 2002 and 2005, existing runways and taxiways also underwent rehabilitation.
In 2004, the Airport Authority adopted a new 20-Year Airport Master Plan, outlining a roadmap for continued hangar development and business expansion. Many of the projects identified in the plan are either in progress or under active planning today.
Commercial operations at the airport began in August 1947 when Challenger Airlines launched passenger, air mail, and express service using Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Substantial airport improvements began in late 1949, with the installation of the first major airfield lighting system in 1950, allowing for nighttime operations. The 1950's saw continued development, including the construction of new hangars and supporting facilities, with further infrastructure improvements continuing into the early 1960s.
In 1963, Weld County partnered with the City of Greeley to jointly own and operate the airport. During the 1960's, additional hangars were added, and a new terminal and administrative building was completed in 1964. By 1971, initial discussions had begun regarding the airport’s long-term expansion and development.
A major milestone occurred in 1978 when the Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority was created through a joint resolution by the City and County under the Colorado Public Airport Authority Act. This marked the beginning of independent governance for the airport. One of the Authority’s first actions was hiring the airport’s first full-time professional Airport Manager.
Growth continued through the 1980's, with ongoing construction of hangars and other minor projects. A significant expansion began in 1996, focusing on a comprehensive overhaul of airport infrastructure. This included the construction of a new 10,000-foot runway and parallel taxiway system, a new terminal and administration building, and substantial landside improvements to support commercial development and accessibility. The new runway and terminal officially opened in 2000, with final airfield construction completed by 2003. Between 2002 and 2005, existing runways and taxiways also underwent rehabilitation.
In 2004, the Airport Authority adopted a new 20-Year Airport Master Plan, outlining a roadmap for continued hangar development and business expansion. Many of the projects identified in the plan are either in progress or under active planning today.
