The Boeing 737 Max 8 is not allowed to land on Runway 33 at KASE because of the aircraft's size and the dangerous terrain due to the tight mountain valley. Runway 33 for an airliner like the 737 is the US equivalent to Paro, Bhutan. Let's give it a try.

 

Airliners do land at ASE. There are multiple arrivals every day using Embraer 175s and CRJ-700s. Both of course are smaller and lighter than a MAX

7 hours ago, JRBarrett said:

Airliners do land at ASE. There are multiple arrivals every day using Embraer 175s and CRJ-700s. Both of course are smaller and lighter than a MAX

Thanks for this information!! Very interesting. It is my understanding that landings for jets are done on RWY 15 and take off on RWY 33.

A 737-500 did land at KASE at least once:

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/whale-737-makes-first-ever-landing-at-aspens-airport-as-debate-about-larger-plane-continues/

Edited November 24, 2025Nov 24 by alanw2005

1 hour ago, alanw2005 said:

Thanks for this information!! Very interesting. It is my understanding that landings for jets are done on RWY 15 and take off on RWY 33.

A 737-500 did land at KASE at least once:

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/whale-737-makes-first-ever-landing-at-aspens-airport-as-debate-about-larger-plane-continues/

I believe that all landings are done on runway 33 and all takeoffs are done on runway 15 regardless of wind direction. Because of the rising terrain there is no way to takeoff safely from runway 33 or to land on runway 15

Edited November 24, 2025Nov 24 by JRBarrett

2 hours ago, JRBarrett said:

I believe that all landings are done on runway 33 and all takeoffs are done on runway 15 regardless of wind direction. Because of the rising terrain there is no way to takeoff safely from runway 33 or to land on runway 15

All of the published approaches are for RWY 15:

All the published departures are for RWY 33:

 

5 hours ago, JRBarrett said:

I believe that all landings are done on runway 33 and all takeoffs are done on runway 15 regardless of wind direction. Because of the rising terrain there is no way to takeoff safely from runway 33 or to land on runway 15

That is correct. Been stuck a few times there because we exceeded limitations and had to explain the pax that even though they could see all the corporate traffic departs, we couldnt... lol Another interesting facts is when on the approach, you see departing traffic coming straight at you, but you know they will make a right turn eventually (I did get a bit nervous my first time landing there).

1 hour ago, RJ_FO said:

That is correct. Been stuck a few times there because we exceeded limitations and had to explain the pax that even though they could see all the corporate traffic departs, we couldnt... lol Another interesting facts is when on the approach, you see departing traffic coming straight at you, but you know they will make a right turn eventually (I did get a bit nervous my first time landing there).

Takeoffs are done on 33 and landings are done on 15. 

15 hours ago, alanw2005 said:

Takeoffs are done on 33 and landings are done on 15. 

Yes you are correct. I had my directions mixed up not looking at the overall layout of the airport in relation to the surrounding terrain. Landings are indeed to the south on 15

16 hours ago, alanw2005 said:

Takeoffs are done on 33 and landings are done on 15. 

indeed 🙂