Jackson Hole Airport recognized as an "urban" DarkSky

JACKSON (WNE) — Jackson Hole Airport has been certified by DarkSky International for its efforts to reduce light pollution.

The airport, now designated an “Urban Night Sky Place,” is the first in the world to be recognized by the anti-light pollution organization.

The certification is specifically for the public-facing side of the airport.

“The airfield lighting, because of all those [Federal Aviation Administration] criteria, will continue to operate as it has historically,” said Jim Elwood, director of the airport.

The “urban” night sky designation is awarded to sites that “actively promote an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of significant artificial light.”

The environmental designation comes amid a series of capital improvement projects, including a new private aviation terminal approved last year, that some worry will exacerbate the airport’s impact on Grand Teton National Park.

The airport’s pursuit of the DarkSky certification was initiated “by folks who saw an opportunity for improvement,” not in response to criticism, Elwood said.

The airport has updated lights so that they are downward casting and lower intensity, as well as programmed to progressively shut off over the course of the evening. All exterior lighting is shut off between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m., though parking lot lights are motion activated.

The four-hour window was based on the needs of staff working after evening flights get in and arriving before morning flights.

“There’s people at the airport conducting work 24 hours a day,” Elwood said.

Interior and exterior lights can be turned on in the 12 to 4 a.m. window as needed by staff, such as security or janitorial staff who are in the airport overnight.

This story was published on April 21, 2025.