Owais Crawford
New Mexico's largest airport, the Albuquerque International Sunport, is known for its distinct regional identity, with iconic southwestern architecture, cultural décor, and a vibrant local arts program. The airport, served by eight major carriers, offers non-stop service to over 30 destinations worldwide and welcomes over five million passengers annually.
Characteristics and Values of Airports in New Mexico
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Albuquerque International Sunport |
| Type | Commercial airport |
| Location | Albuquerque |
| Architecture | Southwestern |
| Amenities | World-class art collection, New Mexican cuisine, local artisanal gifts |
| Carriers | 8 major carriers |
| Destinations | Over 30 destinations with worldwide connectivity |
| Annual passengers | Over 5 million |
| Airport Code | ABQ |
| Terminal Renovation | $90 million |
| Airlines | VivaAerobús, Conviasa, AeroUnion, Sun Country Airlines, Aeroméxico |
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What You'll Learn
Albuquerque International Sunport
The Albuquerque International Sunport is the primary international airport serving the state of New Mexico, specifically the Albuquerque metropolitan area and the larger Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Los Alamos combined statistical area. It is located in Bernalillo County, between the Rio Grande and the Sandia Mountains, and is around 5 kilometres southeast of downtown Albuquerque.
The airport is locally known as the Sunport, and its distinct southwestern architecture, interior décor, and vibrant local arts program showcase its strong sense of place. The airport's first major terminal renovation in 30 years, Dream of Flight: Sunport Reimagined, cost $90 million and modernised the terminal while improving infrastructure, safety, and security. The renovation also created new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Sunport has a rich history, dating back to 1940 when it was designated the Albuquerque Army Air Base, the precursor to today's Kirtland Air Force Base. The airport shares its runways with Kirtland AFB, which also handles rescue and firefighting operations. The airport was renamed Albuquerque Sunport in 1963 and has since undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of a second level to the terminal building for separate arrival and departure levels and the construction of two new concourses, A and B, adding 19 new gates with jetbridges.
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The airport's art and decor
The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico's largest commercial airport, serving over five million passengers annually. The airport is known for its distinct regional identity, showcased through its iconic southwestern architecture, interior décor, and vibrant local arts program.
The Sunport's $90 million terminal renovation, Dream of Flight, has modernised the terminal, improved infrastructure, safety, and security, while also creating opportunities for local businesses. The renovation has included the addition of a new food hall, retail shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as wellness-focused features for passengers to relax and recharge.
The Sunport is particularly renowned for its extensive art collection, with artwork displayed throughout the main terminal building, outside the Ticketing Level entrance, along Sunport Boulevard, at the Rental Car Center, and at the historic Old Terminal Building. The airport's temporary exhibits have gained international recognition and included collaborations with local artists, community organisations, and museums. Notable temporary exhibits include Lowriders and Hot Rods: Car Culture of Northern New Mexico, which was awarded one of the Top 9 Airport Art Exhibits in the World by ArtDesk Magazine.
The Sunport Arts Program includes special events such as art exhibit launches, inaugural flight celebrations, historic aircraft shows, and air shows. The program also features the weekly Sunport Serenades live performance series, which has included Native musicians, artists, and dancers welcoming travellers in the Great Hall. The airport also jointly purchased a historic airplane with the Albuquerque Museum, commemorating landmark flights and serving as a monument to the history of early aviation in New Mexico.
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The Sunport's renovation
The Albuquerque International Sunport, New Mexico's largest airport, has recently undergone its first major terminal renovation in 30 years. The $90 million investment project, known as "Dream of Flight: Sunport Reimagined", aimed to modernise the terminal and improve infrastructure, safety, and security.
The renovation included relocating the TSA screening checkpoint to create a larger post-security area, improving security checkpoint efficiency for passengers and TSA agents. The Sunport also modernised its fire suppression, HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical infrastructure, bringing them up to modern building codes. Additionally, lighting fixtures throughout the terminal were converted to LED, supporting the Sunport's sustainability efforts.
The project also focused on enhancing the airport's unique sense of place and regional identity. The Sunport is known for its distinct Southwestern architecture, interior décor, and vibrant local arts program. The renovation maintained the classic character of the Sunport while introducing reimagined amenities and wellness-focused features for passengers to relax, recharge, and explore.
The food, beverage, and retail areas were also transformed, introducing a new food hall, retail shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes. The Sunport worked with experts in airport concessions to expand dining and retail opportunities, featuring world-class restaurants with regionally sourced ingredients, health-conscious options, and craft cocktails.
The renovation also created opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, with a focus on supporting local businesses and brands unique to Albuquerque and New Mexico. The project's third component involved modernising the Sunport's IT infrastructure and enhancing common areas to improve the overall experience for local and global travellers.
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Non-stop service to over 30 destinations
The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico's largest airport, welcoming over 5 million passengers each year. The airport is served by 8 major carriers and offers non-stop service to over 30 destinations across the US, with worldwide connectivity.
The Sunport is known for its distinct Southwestern architecture, interior decor, and vibrant local arts program. The airport boasts a world-class art collection, unique amenities, New Mexican cuisine, and many local artisanal gifts.
The airport's well-established regional identity was recently amplified with its first major terminal renovation in 30 years, costing $90 million. The renovation modernized the terminal and improved infrastructure, safety, and security. The investment also created ongoing opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Albuquerque International Sunport offers non-stop flights to 20 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and Seattle. The Sunport now also features a direct flight to Angel Fire for in-state travel. Additionally, the capital city of Santa Fe Municipal Airport offers non-stop daily flights from Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix.
With its non-stop service to over 30 destinations, the Albuquerque International Sunport is a convenient gateway to New Mexico, providing a unique travel experience that showcases the state's culture and charm.
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The airport's regional identity
The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico's largest commercial airport, serving over five million passengers annually. The airport is committed to celebrating its identity and sense of place. This is reflected in its distinct southwestern architecture, interior décor, and vibrant local arts program. The airport's regional identity was recently amplified with its first major terminal renovation in 30 years, costing $90 million. The renovation modernized the terminal, improved infrastructure, and created opportunities for local businesses.
The Sunport is known for its world-class art collection, unique amenities, New Mexican cuisine, and local artisanal gifts. It is served by eight major carriers and offers nonstop service to over 30 destinations worldwide. The airport is also passionate about the growth of New Mexico and is committed to doing so in a thoughtful and sustainable way. For instance, the airport has partnered with Sandia Resort & Casino, hosting discussions about the state's development.
The Sunport is also home to a variety of events, such as the inaugural Run the Runway & Mutt Strut 5K. The airport is committed to providing a positive experience for all its visitors and ensuring the best experience for all involved. The airport also has a dynamic team passionate about New Mexico and finding innovative ways to help it grow sustainably.
The Albuquerque International Sunport is a gateway to the Land of Enchantment, as evidenced by its unique regional identity and focus on celebrating New Mexico's culture and community. The airport's commitment to amplifying its regional identity ensures that travelers experience the essence of New Mexico from the moment they arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the airport in New Mexico is the Albuquerque International Sunport.
The airport in New Mexico welcomes over 5 million passengers each year.
The airport in New Mexico offers non-stop service to more than 30 destinations.
The airport in New Mexico is known for its distinct southwestern architecture, cultural décor, world-class art collection, and unique amenities.
