Albuquerque International Sunport is a public airport located 6.5km from the city of Albuquerque in New Mexico, US. The facility is spread over 2,039 acres. It is owned by the City of Albuquerque and operated by the City of Albuquerque Aviation Department.
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In 2010, the airport handled passenger traffic of 5.79 million and 62,000t of cargo, and recorded 156,505 aircraft operations.
Albuquerque airport’s master plan
Albuquerque International Sunport’s master plan was drafted in 2002, recommending long-term projects at the airport, including the removal of the 17 / 35 runway for social and environmental reasons and the construction of a new second terminal at the airport by 2025.
The master plan update 2003 again recommended the closure of the 17 / 35 runway and was approved in 2004.
Albuquerque airport expansion
In May 2009, a terminal optimisation was initiated at Albuquerque International Sunport. The project includes creating new beverage and food concessions, the construction of restrooms, the renovation of existing restrooms and the expansion of gate hold rooms. ASCG is the prime consultant for the project.
In 2010, a $12m apron reconstruction project was completed at the airport. The project included replacing the 819,000ft2 apron with high flexural strength concrete. The contract was awarded to David Montoya construction, a local contractor.
In March 2011, a new food court was opened and other renovations were completed as part of the project. The final phase of Sunport Boulevard’s pavement was completed in May 2011.
Albuquerque terminal features
Albuquerque airport has a 600,000ft2 single three-level terminal. The terminal was opened in 1965 and expanded in the late 1980s, 1996 and 2005. It has 22 gates in two concourses, A and B.
Level one of the terminal is used for arrivals. It also houses baggage claim offices, ground transportation counter, car rental centre and restrooms. Level two has airline ticket counters and check-in counters. Level three is dedicated to departures and its features include the Transportation Security Administration’s security check point and retail space.
The terminal has ATMs from various banks and free Wi-Fi. Other passenger facilities include elevators, Braille signage, wheelchairs and telecommunication devices for physically disabled.
Native American and Hispanic art collections are displayed throughout the terminal.
Baggage handling systems
In August 2008, Smith Detection installed eight advanced threat identification X-ray (aTiX) machines at Albuquerque airport. The advanced technology aTiX system can carry out the passenger baggage screening in a single sweep with multiple angle views.
In October 2010, the Department of Homeland Security tested an advanced bottled liquid scanner at the airport. The scanner, developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, can scan bottled water and other liquids for detecting concealed explosives. It is being used for checking the hand baggage of the passengers at Albuquerque airport.
Runways
Albuquerque airport has four runways. The first runway (3 / 21) is 3,048m long and the second runaway (8 / 26) is 4,204m long. The third runway (12 / 30) is 1,829m long. All the three runways are concrete paved. The fourth runway (17 / 35) is 3,048m long and paved with asphalt and concrete.
Maintenance facilities
The aircraft maintenance facilities at the airport are provided by Bode Aviation. It also offers aircraft engine sales, quality maintenance of aircraft as well as fixed base operations services.
Cutter Flying Service and Atlantic Aviation provide aviation services.
Parking at Albuquerque airport
Albuquerque International Sunport has a four-level parking, which provides space for more than 3,700 vehicles. The parking area is located near to the terminal.
It has long-term parking spaces for 500 vehicles and dedicated parking spaces for the disabled or handicapped near the elevators.
Ground transportation
Albuquerque International Sunport has numerous ground transportation facilities.
Local Sun Tran buses run from the airport to the city centre regularly and there are also shuttle buses and taxis.
The transportation at the airport is managed by Sunport Shuttles, Airport Shuttles and Albuquerque Cab Company.
Car rental offices are located at the Sunport car rental centre of the airport.
