Hot Springs County Thermopolis Municipal Airport

The airport was closed and replaced due to its physical limitations. The original airport was situated in a challenging location within a valley, adjacent to the Bighorn River and rising terrain. This topography, combined with its proximity to the town, prevented the runway from being lengthened or widened to meet modern safety standards and accommodate larger, faster aircraft. A new airport, the current Hot Springs County-Thermopolis Municipal Airport (KTHP), was constructed on a plateau northwest of the city, offering clear approaches and ample space for a longer runway and future expansion. The closure was a direct result of this planned replacement to improve aviation safety and capability for the community.

The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped and repurposed. The land is now an industrial and commercial park. The most prominent business located directly on the old airport grounds is the Wyoming Whiskey distillery. Other businesses, including trucking companies and commercial workshops, also occupy the area. While the faint outline of the former runway is still visible in satellite imagery, it has been partially paved over to create roads (like Airport Road) and is largely covered by buildings and storage yards. The site is no longer recognizable as an airfield from the ground.

The original Thermopolis Municipal Airport was a vital transportation hub for Hot Springs County for several decades. It primarily served general aviation, including private aircraft, charter flights, and air ambulance services. Its most notable role was being a stop for scheduled passenger service. From the 1950s into the 1960s, the original Frontier Airlines operated flights to Thermopolis, typically using Douglas DC-3 aircraft. This service connected the town to a regional network that included hubs like Denver, Billings, and Salt Lake City, playing a crucial role in supporting the local economy, particularly its tourism industry centered around the world's largest mineral hot springs.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening this airport. The land has been sold, zoned for commercial/industrial use, and is occupied by numerous active businesses. A modern, safer, and more capable replacement airport (KTHP) is fully operational and serves the current aviation needs of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County. Reacquiring the land, demolishing the existing infrastructure, and rebuilding an airport at this inferior location is not economically or logistically feasible.