Airports In New Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide

New Mexico is the fifth-largest state in the US, and there are 62 airports in the state for public use. These airports are well-connected to international destinations and other states within the USA. The important airports in New Mexico include Farmington, Gallup, Grants, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Ranches of Taos, Raton, Clayton, Tucumcari, Clovis, and several others. The largest commercial airport in New Mexico is the Albuquerque International Sunport, which welcomes over 5 million passengers each year.

Albuquerque International Sunport

There are 62 airports in New Mexico for public use, including the Albuquerque International Sunport, which is the largest commercial airport in the state. The Sunport is known for its distinct Southwestern architecture and cultural decor and is served by eight major carriers, including United, American, Delta, and Southwest Airlines. The airport offers non-stop service between ABQ and more than 30 destinations, with direct flights to 20 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and Seattle.

The airport is located west of downtown Albuquerque and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or ride-share. There are several parking options available, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots. The Sunport offers a variety of ground transportation options, including car rental services, taxi cabs, and ride-share companies.

The Albuquerque International Sunport is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly initiatives. The airport has a comprehensive recycling program and has invested in energy-efficient lighting and equipment. The Sunport also encourages the use of public transportation and provides electric vehicle charging stations for passengers and employees.

The Sunport is also known for its community engagement and support for local causes. In addition to the CABQ Animal Welfare initiative, the airport has partnered with local schools and organisations to promote education and career development in the aviation industry. The Sunport has also hosted events and exhibitions celebrating the culture and history of New Mexico, showcasing the state's unique art, music, and cuisine.

Roswell International Air Centre

The Roswell Air Centre offers a unique, friendly, and stress-free travel experience with free parking. The Roswell Air Centre is also known for its history related to the Roswell UFO incident, an event that allegedly occurred in July 1947. It is alleged that a "flying disk" crashed near Corona, about 70 miles northwest of Roswell. Materials from the crash were reportedly taken to what was the Army Air Field at the time. Roswell is also home to the famous International UFO Museum and Research Centre, Bottomless Lakes State Park, and the wild west. The city boasts a wide range of dining options, from authentic New Mexican cuisine to international flavours. Roswell also has a thriving art and culture scene, with endless outdoor adventures and exciting events.

The Roswell Air Centre was used by Felix Baumgartner to launch his record-breaking freefall jump from the stratosphere on October 14, 2012. The airport was also featured in KOAT's Celebrate New Mexico series, which showcased a plane that belonged to Elvis Presley. On May 23, 2024, the Reno Air Racing Association announced that starting in 2025, the Roswell International Air Centre would host the National Championship Air Races and Air Show, replacing the Reno Stead Airport.

The Roswell Air Centre was formerly known as Walker Air Force Base (Walker AFB), which opened in 1948. In 1966, the Air Force announced that Walker AFB would close as the Defence Department struggled to pay the expenses of the Vietnam War. In 1968, all commercial service was moved to the current airport, with much longer runways. Roswell's first jet service was introduced on April 28, 1968, with 75-seat Douglas DC-9-10 jets on a Santa Fe - Albuquerque - Roswell - Abilene - Dallas - Houston route. In early 1970, the DC-9 flight routing was changed to Los Angeles (LAX) - Albuquerque - Roswell - Midland/Odessa - Dallas - Houston, providing Roswell with one-stop jet service to both Dallas and Los Angeles.

Las Cruces International Airport

• 4/22: 7,501 by 106 feet (2,286 x 32 metres) asphalt
• 8/26: 6,069 by 100 feet (1,850 x 30 metres) asphalt
• 12/30: 7,506 by 100 feet (2,288 x 30 metres) concrete

The airport is well-equipped with facilities, including two full fixed-base operators, Southwest Aviation and Francis Aviation. Southwest Aviation provides flight instruction, aircraft fuel, and handling for corporate aircraft and private charters. Similarly, Francis Aviation offers aircraft fuel, charters, and facilities for corporate aircraft and private charters. Frost Aviation Services is also present at the airport, providing flight training services.

The airport also features a unique hands-on aircraft exploration centre located within the Jim Bobs restaurant. This aviation centre allows visitors to interact with real aircraft components from retired planes, such as engine parts, instrument panels, and propellers. It offers a fun and educational experience for all ages, with colouring activities available for children.

Farmington's Four Corners Regional Airport

Four Corners Regional Airport covers an area of 603 acres and contains two asphalt-paved runways. For the 12-month period ending on December 31, 2021, the airport recorded 44,803 aircraft operations, averaging 122 per day. As of July 31, 2021, 87 aircraft were based at the airport: 70 single-engine, 10 multi-engine, 1 jet, 4 helicopters, and 2 ultralights. The airport has one terminal for all arrivals and departures and a full-service fixed-base operator (FBO), Atlantic Aviation.

The airport has free long-term passenger vehicle parking, a full-service restaurant, and a major car rental company at the terminal. It also offers free WiFi in the terminal area. Four Corners Regional Airport was once the second busiest airport in New Mexico, behind the Albuquerque International Sunport. Today, it is typically the fourth or fifth busiest airport in the state.

Beginning in May 2025, the airport will offer daily nonstop United Express service to United's Denver International Airport (DEN) hub. SkyWest Airlines will operate this route with a comfortable, 50-passenger Mitsubishi CRJ200 aircraft. This new service will provide Farmington, the economic center of the Four Corners, with access to United Airlines' global network spanning six continents. The daily round-trip flights are timed for the convenience of both leisure and business travelers, offering exceptional connection opportunities.

Santa Fe Municipal Airport

Santa Fe Regional Airport is a public-use airport that offers cost-effective, time-efficient, accessible, and friendly services. It is served by American Eagle, which operates regional jet flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix, and by United Express, which offers regional jet flights to Denver and Houston. The airport also accommodates private jets, with companies such as NetJets utilising this service.

The airport has undergone several changes to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In 2016, the terminal was remodelled to create more gate space, and in 2017, the Santa Fe City Council approved an expansion plan that included a new baggage claim area, a rental car facility, and a new parking lot with 750 spaces. The airport provides convenient parking at $7 per day, with the first 30 minutes free. Credit cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted, with a 3% processing fee.

Santa Fe Regional Airport has a history of airline service adjustments. In 1983, it witnessed its first code-share service by a commuter airline. The airport briefly accommodated 32-seat aircraft in 1997 and 1998 but lost all airline service at the end of 2007. However, it resumed operations in 2009 with major airline code-share flights using regional jets, leading to a significant increase in passenger traffic.

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