Albuquerque Airport Uso: What You Need To Know

The Albuquerque International Sunport, locally known as the Sunport, is the primary international airport serving the U.S. state of New Mexico. The airport handles around 5 million passengers annually and over 400 flights daily. The Sunport is unique for its low-lying structure and Pueblo Revival architecture, which references Albuquerque's Tiquex and Hispano heritage. It is decorated with more than 100 pieces of fine art from New Mexican artists and is host to regular art exhibits and musical performances. While the airport offers a range of restaurants and shops, it does not have any airline club lounges. So, does the Albuquerque airport have a USO?

Albuquerque International Sunport is decorated with over 100 pieces of art

The Albuquerque International Sunport is decorated with over 100 pieces of art, ranging from sculptures and paintings to ceramics and textiles. The art collection is spread throughout the airport, including the main terminal building, the Ticketing Level entrance, Sunport Boulevard, the Rental Car Center, and the historic Old Terminal Building. The Sunport's art program includes temporary exhibits, collaborations with local artists, community organizations, and museums, as well as a permanent collection.

The Sunport's art collection showcases the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico, with pieces rooted in Native American, Hispanic, and Southwestern cultures. The airport's unique New Mexican architecture and extensive art collection have earned it international recognition, placing it among the top nine airports in the world for airport art.

• "Running Horses" by Gray Mercer: A cor-ten steel sculpture that captures the beauty and grace of horses in motion.
• "Quality Fountain for Desert Bloom" by Joe Keith: A 7'x10' fountain that celebrates the beauty of the desert.
• "La Serpentina" by Rogelio Madero: A sculpture made of Madero's signature serpentine forms, adding a touch of elegance to the airport.
• "The Basket Dance" by Glenna Goodacre: A bronze sculpture that depicts the joy and energy of a traditional basket dance.
• "ALBURQUERQUE!!!" by sheri crider: A vibrant enamel on aluminum alupanel piece that spells out the city's name in bold letters.
• "Serenity & Hope" by John Boomer: A wood and marble sculpture with a musical string, evoking a sense of peace and optimism.
• "Untitled" by Liz Anderson: A raku-fired ceramic vessel that showcases the beauty of simplicity and craftsmanship.
• "Andean Spirit" by Louise Laval: A doll made of fabric, clay, fetishes, silver, tin, ribbon, and yarn, reflecting the cultural influences of the Andes region.
• "Lamp Vase" by Elizabeth C. Naranjo: A traditional black ceramic vase with an Avanyu design, a sacred symbol in Native American culture.
• "Buffalo Mural" and "Horse Mural" by Pop Chalee: Striking casein on canvas paintings that bring alive the spirit of the West.
• "La Cueva Sunset, West" and "La Cueva Sunset, East" by Wilson Hurley: A pair of oil on canvas paintings that capture the breathtaking sunsets of La Cueva.
• "La Huida a Egipto" by Charlie Carrillo: A traditional New Mexican retablo painting on wood, depicting a religious scene with intricate detail.
• "Popular Santos in New Mexico" by Paula Rodriguez: A black wooden cross with straw inlay, a traditional form of folk art in New Mexico.
• "Untitled" by Angie Reano Owen: A turquoise, lapis, mother-of-pearl, jet, and abalone bracelet on a green snail shell, showcasing the beauty of Native American jewelry.
• "Medicine Bear" by Stewart Quandelacy: A fetish/alabaster sculpture with turquoise and silverado jet inlay, symbolizing the healing power of nature.
• "Queen of Rosary, Lady of Guadalupe, Lady of Sorrows" by Rosemarie Lopez Stuyck: A retablo painting on wood that honors the Virgin Mary in her different aspects.
• "Emerging Madonna I" by Artis Lane: A ceramic and bronze sculpture that captures the essence of motherhood and spirituality.
• "The Norther" by William Moyers: A bronze sculpture that depicts a powerful force of nature, the norther, in a captivating way.
• "Buffalo Dancer" by John Nieto: An acrylic on canvas painting that brings to life the energy and movement of a buffalo dancer.
• "Tararhumara of the Sierra Madre" by Bill Baker: A pastel on board artwork that captures the culture and traditions of the Tarahumara people of Mexico.
• "Untitled" by Ilena Grayson: An earthenware piece with metallic leaf accents, adding a touch of elegance and shine to the collection.
• "Owl Bowl" by Laura Gachupin: A traditional ceramic bowl with polychrome paint, showcasing the beauty of Native American pottery.

These artworks not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the airport but also provide a glimpse into the cultural and artistic richness of the region. The Sunport's commitment to showcasing local talent and celebrating diversity has made it a unique and memorable destination for travelers from around the world.

The airport has an observation deck with panoramic windows

The Albuquerque International Sunport, locally known as the Sunport, is the primary international airport serving the U.S. state of New Mexico, particularly the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The airport is located in Bernalillo County, between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains, and is around 3 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The Sunport is unique for its low-lying structure and Pueblo Revival architecture, which references Albuquerque's Tiquex and Hispano heritage and New Mexico's Pueblo and Nuevo México roots.

The Sunport is served by several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Advanced Air, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport handles around 5 million passengers annually and over 400 flights daily. It offers nonstop flights to 30 destinations worldwide and is known for its distinct southwestern architecture and cultural décor.

The Albuquerque International Sunport is also an art and cultural hub, boasting a world-class art collection with over 100 pieces of fine art from New Mexican artists. It regularly hosts art exhibits and musical performances, enhancing the experience of travellers passing through.

There are no airline club lounges at the airport

The Albuquerque International Sunport, locally known as the Sunport, is the primary international airport serving the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is New Mexico's largest commercial airport, welcoming over 5 million passengers annually. The airport is served by 8 major carriers, including Southwest, United, American, and Delta.

Although the airport offers a range of restaurants, shops, and unique amenities, there are no airline club lounges available. However, there is a hidden observation deck that offers a quiet place to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the airport's gates, tarmac, and runways. This observation deck provides a similar experience to an airline club lounge, without the ticket assistance and complimentary food and drinks.

The Sunport is known for its distinct southwestern architecture and cultural décor, reflecting Albuquerque's Tiquex and Hispano heritage and New Mexico's Pueblo and Nuevo México roots. It also boasts a world-class art collection, with over 100 pieces of fine art from New Mexican artists, and regularly hosts art exhibits and musical performances.

While there are no airline club lounges at the Albuquerque International Sunport, the observation deck provides a unique and relaxing experience for travellers waiting for their flights.

The airport is served by eight major carriers

The Albuquerque International Sunport is served by eight major carriers, including Advanced Air, Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United. The airport handles around 5 million passengers annually, with over 400 flights daily.

Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier serving the airport, with over half of all passengers flying with this airline. The airline has been serving the airport since 1980 and previously had 66 daily departures. However, they have since cut back on their services.

The other major carriers serving the Albuquerque International Sunport include:

• Advanced Air: This airline provides commuter flights and can be contacted at (800) 393-7035 for reservations and flight information.
• Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines has been serving the airport since 2014 and can be reached at (800) 252-7522 for flight inquiries.
• American Airlines: American Airlines began serving the Sunport in 1979 and can be contacted at (800) 433-7300 for reservations and flight information.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta has been serving the airport since 1982 and can be reached at (800) 221-1212 for flight inquiries.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue started serving the Sunport in 2013 and can be contacted at (800) 538-2583 for reservations and flight information.
• Spirit Airlines: Spirit is a more recent addition to the Sunport, having started services in 2022. They can be reached at 1-855-728-3555 or by text at 48763.
• United Airlines: United has been serving the airport since 1983 and can be contacted at (800) 241-6522 for flight inquiries.

In addition to these eight major carriers, the Albuquerque International Sunport is also served by several smaller airlines and regional carriers, offering a wide range of travel options for passengers.

The airport is located 3 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque

The Albuquerque International Sunport, locally known as the Sunport, is located 3 miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. It is New Mexico's largest commercial airport, welcoming over 5 million passengers each year. The airport is served by 8 major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, which is its focus airline and accounts for over half of all passengers. Other airlines serving the Sunport include Advanced Air, Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and United.

The Sunport offers nonstop service to more than 30 destinations, with worldwide connectivity. It is unique for its low-lying structure and Pueblo Revival architecture, which references Albuquerque's Tiquex and Hispano heritage and New Mexico's Pueblo and Nuevo México roots. The airport boasts a world-class art collection, regional gift shops, local eateries, and New Mexican cuisine restaurants.

The Albuquerque area is home to several sports venues, including the UNM "Pit," which is one of college basketball's most famous and recognizable buildings. The airport is also conveniently located near many hotels, parking areas, and car rental options.

The Sunport is easily accessible via various transportation options, such as bus services, rental car facilities, and taxi services. It provides free Wi-Fi internet access and has been recognised as one of the top airports for wireless access.

Frequently asked questions