DRIGGS, IDAHO. — In response to the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) closure, the Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport (DIJ) recently created landing fees for non-local planes landing at the airport.
Landing fees for aircrafts over 9,000 pounds are $5 per 1,000 pounds during the day. The night fee is $8 per 1,000 pounds over 9,000 pounds.
DIJ has a voluntary curfew for arrivals and departures between 10 p.m and 7 a.m and limits hours of service and fuel to discourage night operations.
DIJ expects private traffic to utilize the airport when the JAC is closed from April 11 to June 27 for construction. The Driggs airport is not designed to accommodate commercial jet traffic. The closest airport accommodating commercial jets is Idaho Falls, Boise and Salt Lake City.
According to the airport, bringing regularly scheduled air carrier service to DIJ is unlikely in at least the next 50 years.
Teton Aviation is the fixed base operator out of DIJ and has created a reservation system for any plane that needs to use the ramp area. The 90-minute slot system requires prior permission.
According to DIJ, the airport can fit a maximum of three large aircraft, four medium aircraft and four smaller aircraft at any given time into these 90-minute slots.
“Optimally, we’d like to see seven or eight slots in a 1.5-hour period and will try to spread everyone out through the day so that one period isn’t busier than another,” said the airport in a press release announcing the changes. “We can just push aircraft to the time of day that we have more openings.”
“Teton aviation has also rented additional fuel trucks during the closure and is beefing up staff,” the airport said.
DIJ is owned by the City of Driggs and managed by the airport board which is appointed by the Mayor and city council.
DIJ also created a system for residents to report low-flying aircraft, available here.
