Las Cruces Airport: Does It Exist?

Yes, Las Cruces does have an airport. The Las Cruces International Airport (IATA: LRU, ICAO: KLRU, FAA LID: LRU) is a city-owned, public airport located about 8-10 miles west of the central business district of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The airport offers scheduled passenger air services to and from Albuquerque through Advanced Airlines. It also has facilities for general aviation, military aviation, and private charters.

Las Cruces International Airport's location

Las Cruces International Airport (IATA: LRU, ICAO: KLRU, FAA LID: LRU) is a city-owned, public airport located about ten minutes west of downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico. The airport is nine miles west of the central business district of Las Cruces, in Doña Ana County. It is situated off Interstate 10 on the West Mesa, overlooking the Mesilla Valley. The airport is easily accessible and provides convenient access to the city of Las Cruces and the surrounding areas.

The airport covers 2,193 acres of land and sits at an elevation of 4,457 feet above mean sea level. It features three runways, including a precision instrument approach, two full fixed-base operators, ample tie-down space, and room for future expansion. The runways vary in length and surface material, with asphalt and concrete surfaces, accommodating different types of aircraft.

Las Cruces International Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it is an ideal location for general and corporate aviation as well as the development of aerospace and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry sectors. The airport is utilised by various entities, including general aviation, the United States government, New Mexico State University, private charters, and the local CAP squadron.

In addition to its functional aspects, the airport also offers educational and recreational opportunities. It houses a collection of about 60 models of historic planes and ships, donated by longtime Las Cruces resident and former member of the Airport Advisory Board, Rolf Mitchel. The collection is on display in the main airport terminal and features vessels from several historic battles, particularly those of World War II.

The airport also features a hands-on aircraft exploration centre located within the Jim Bobs restaurant. This interactive aviation centre allows visitors to explore real aircraft components, engine parts, instrument panels, and propellers. It provides a unique learning experience for people of all ages and is open to the public during normal restaurant business hours.

Airlines that serve Las Cruces

Las Cruces International Airport (IATA: LRU, ICAO: KLRU, FAA LID: LRU) is a city-owned, public airport located about ten minutes off Interstate 10, west of downtown Las Cruces. The airport is currently served by Advanced Air, which offers scheduled passenger air service to and from Albuquerque.

History of Airlines Serving Las Cruces

Las Cruces has been served by twelve commercial airlines since the late 1940s. Here is a list of the airlines that have served the city over the years:

• Pioneer Air Lines (1948-1950)
• Continental Airlines (1950-1954)
• Frontier Airlines (1950-1953)
• Bison Airlines (1963-1964)
• Aztec Airlines (1966-1967)
• Zia Airlines (1972-1980)
• Stahmann Farms of Las Cruces (1980)
• Airways of New Mexico (1981-1985)
• JetAire (1985)
• Mesa Airlines (1985-2001)
• Westward Airways (2004-2005)
• Advanced Air (2023 - present)

Other Airlines Operating at the Airport

While the above-mentioned airlines specifically served the city of Las Cruces, other airlines that operate at the Las Cruces International Airport include Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, which often land large Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the airport.

Facilities and aircraft

Las Cruces International Airport (IATA: LRU, ICAO: KLRU, FAA LID: LRU) is a city-owned, public airport located about ten minutes west of downtown Las Cruces, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Covering 2,193 acres of land, the airport is situated at an elevation of 4,457 feet above mean sea level.

The airport boasts three runways: 4/22, which measures 7,501 by 106 feet and is asphalt; 8/26, spanning 6,069 by 100 feet and also asphalt; and 12/30, the longest at 7,506 by 100 feet, made of concrete. These runways accommodate a range of aircraft, from single-engine planes to helicopters and even large jets like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800.

In terms of facilities, Las Cruces International Airport has two fixed-base operators (FBOs): Southwest Aviation and Francis Aviation. Southwest Aviation is a long-standing FBO, offering competitive fuel prices and efficient customer service. They also provide flight instruction services and facilities to handle corporate aircraft and private charters. Francis Aviation, with locations across Southern New Mexico, prides itself on its modern ground service equipment and professional culture. They, too, provide aircraft fuel, charters, and facilities for corporate and private aircraft. Additionally, Frost Aviation Services operates at the airport, specialising in flight training.

The airport also features a main terminal, where passengers can check in and access ground transportation options like rideshares and car rentals. For those interested in aviation history, the airport displays a collection of about 60 models of historic planes and ships, donated by longtime resident and former member of the Airport Advisory Board, Rolf Mitchel. Furthermore, the airport has an aircraft exploration centre located within the Jim Bobs restaurant, where visitors can interact with real aircraft components and learn about aviation.

Check-in and parking information

Las Cruces International Airport (IATA: LRU, ICAO: KLRU, FAA LID: LRU) is located about ten minutes west of downtown Las Cruces, off Interstate 10. The airport offers scheduled passenger air services to and from Albuquerque through Advanced Airlines.

The check-in for Advanced Airlines is located inside the main terminal building. It is recommended that passengers arrive for check-in one hour before their scheduled departure time, as the terminal doors open one hour prior to departure for check-in. All passengers and baggage must be checked in no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Failure to do so may result in denied boarding. If you require additional services, such as wheelchair assistance, are travelling with unaccompanied minors, or are travelling with pets, please allow for extra time.

The airport offers free covered parking onsite. If you plan to stay for an extended period, please inform an agent.

Other Transportation Options:

Rideshares are readily available at the airport. Additionally, Enterprise Rentals offers off-site car rental services, but they require 24-hour advance reservations.

Nearby airports

Las Cruces International Airport (IATA: LRU, ICAO: KLRU, FAA LID: LRU) is located about ten minutes west of downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico. The airport is ideal for general and corporate aviation, as well as the development of aerospace and unmanned aerial system (UAS) industries.

If you are looking for nearby airports with passenger air services, there are several options within a reasonable distance from Las Cruces:

El Paso International Airport:

This airport is just a 45-minute drive southeast of downtown Las Cruces. It is a convenient option for those seeking interstate passenger air services.

Albuquerque International Sunport:

You can find flights to and from Albuquerque, with prices starting at $97 for one-way and $198 for round trips.

Dona Ana County International Jetport Airport:

Located 27 nautical miles southeast of Las Cruces International Airport, this airport provides another option for travellers in the region.

Biggs Army Airfield (Fort Bliss):

This airfield is 38 nautical miles southeast of Las Cruces International Airport. While it primarily serves military purposes, it may also accommodate civilian flights under certain circumstances.

Deming Municipal Airport:

Deming Municipal Airport is situated 40 nautical miles west of Las Cruces International Airport, offering an alternative for travellers heading to or from western New Mexico.

These nearby airports provide additional travel options for residents and visitors to the Las Cruces area, ensuring convenient access to the region.

Frequently asked questions