Albuquerque Airport

The Albuquerque Airport

Albuquerque International Airport Information


The Albuquerque airport is the largest airport in the state. It must be because Albuquerque receives an overwhelming number (over 6 million!) of visitors yearly.

In many cases, the airport is the first experience a traveler has with their destination. The Albuquerque International Airport takes this to heart and was designed to impress travelers from abroad, and locally, alike. The building exudes the style and culture that New Mexico is known for.

It isn’t just a travel hub; it is a piece of artwork.




Albuquerque International Sunport History
 
Albuquerque has always been a tourist destination, and the area was served up until the mid 1930’s by two small, private airports; West Mesa Airport and Oxnard Field. As the city grew in popularity, discussion began around building a single, larger, public airport.

During the 1930’s the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was in full swing and designed to give jobs to unskilled workers during The Depression on public works projects. Albuquerque’s Governor, Clyde Tingley (whose name is found on many things throughout Albuquerque to this day), received a grant of $520,500 in WPA funds from the government and broke ground on February 28, 1937.

The Albuquerque Municipal Airport opened in 1939. It came with a Pueblo style terminal, which is still evident today, designed by Ernest Blumenthal, two paved runways and a huge new hangar for the new Boeing 307 aircraft. The terminal is no longer used as such, but is restored and houses the offices for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The Albuquerque Airport & The Military
 
In 1940 Albuquerque Municipal Airport operations began supporting the military by sharing their runways with them due to the installation of the Albuquerque Army Air Base the same year. Now, the base is Kirtland Air Force Base, but they still depend on using the runways at the Albuquerque International Airport.

The Albuquerque International Sunport Today
 
albuquerque airport, albuquerque international airport

The Albuquerque airport has grown massively since 1937, and the terminal was moved to the east in order to accommodate the expansion. It has most recently been updated in 1996, and still maintains the Pueblo Revival architecture and style. There are two concourses (A and B) for commercial airlines and also an area for commuter jets.

Most of the major airlines fly into Albuquerque including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways. Smaller subsidiaries also fly into the Sunport including Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. Regional companies are also available including American Eagle, Great Lakes Airlines, and New Mexico Airlines.

Albuquerque Airport Amenities
 
The Albuquerque International Airport provides a relaxing and accommodating atmosphere for all travelers.

There is an abundance of cushioned seating both inside and outside the security line and ATMs are conveniently located throughout the building. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi while you wait.

Hungry?

If you’re through security, and waiting to depart, you can find something to munch on. What do you want? There’s ice cream, Mexican food, soup, salad, breakfast fare, lounges with drinks and more!

Shopping too!

Whether it’s to pass the time or pick up some last minute souvenirs or gifts, the Albuquerque Airport has a selection where you’re sure to find what you need. Gold and silver jewelry, kachinas, pottery, newspapers, books, magazines, souvenirs, t-shirts, handbags, and plenty more!

Visit the Albuquerque International Sunport site for more information.

Albuquerque Airport Travel Options

No matter if you are coming to Albuquerque to visit, or leaving Albuquerque on a trip, you need to figure out how to get to and from the airport.

If you love luxury or want to impress a client, we have limousine services available.

If you simply need to get from the airport to your hotel, try a hotel shuttle.

Do you prefer to do your own driving as you visit the city? No problem! You only need to rent a car.

No one to drop you off at the airport? Park your car at the "park and ride" shuttle lots.

There are tons of options available, and finding the best one for your needs means you need to do a little research. The good thing is we've done it all for you. All you have to do is clickety-click on the links most interesting to you.

See All The Albuquerque Airport Transportation Options Here.




Bet You’re Ready To Travel Now!

Whether you’re leaving from, or coming to, Albuquerque, there’s no way you can’t feel like traveling after reading this page. So, get your itinerary and book your flight and take off on your next adventure. Happy Trails!