Skip to content

International Airport Sunport of Albuquerque experiences a decline in airport satisfaction rankings, as indicated by J.D. Power's recent evaluation.

Albuquerque International Sunport, despite recent improvements and expansions, slips from 12th to 13th place in the latest J.D. Power survey rankings.

Albuquerque International Airport decreases its ranking in J.D. Power's most recent airport...
Albuquerque International Airport decreases its ranking in J.D. Power's most recent airport satisfaction survey

International Airport Sunport of Albuquerque experiences a decline in airport satisfaction rankings, as indicated by J.D. Power's recent evaluation.

The Albuquerque International Sunport is undergoing a significant transformation as part of a $90 million renovation project, dubbed the 'Dream of Flight'. The project, announced in 2022, aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers and has already resulted in several notable improvements.

In the latest J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, the Sunport ranked No. 13, a drop from its No. 7 position in The Washington Post's 50 best airports in America. However, Sunport officials are optimistic about the future, attributing the drop in ranking to the ongoing renovations.

Last year, the Sunport fell 29 points short of meeting the 656-segment average in the 'medium-sized' airport category. This year, the airport has made strides to address the issues that led to the low ratings, particularly in food, beverages, and retail. Upgrades are being made to create a more modern, comfortable, and New Mexico-themed experience for travelers.

One of the key components of the renovation is the new observation deck, set to open in early 2027. The deck will offer travelers a unique opportunity to watch planes take off and land while enjoying the local atmosphere.

Another significant improvement is the completion of the Holding Pattern, a redesigned cell phone waiting lot. The Holding Pattern features heated restrooms, live flight information screens, and 20% more parking, making it more convenient for passengers to wait for arriving flights.

The renovation also includes improvements to infrastructure and accessibility, with a relocated TSA checkpoint and updated facilities. The companies directly involved in the remodeling and modernization of the Sunport during the 'Dream of Flight' project include Amstar Group, Sundt Construction, WSP, and NEC Corporation.

Manny Manriquez, deputy director of aviation for the city of Albuquerque, is confident that the upgrades will help the Sunport regain its high ranking. He stated that the Sunport's high ranking was due to the upgrades and a welcoming spirit.

Despite the completion of major components of the renovations, related initiatives will continue rolling out over the next several months. This includes the opening of the new observation deck and the continued addition of new amenities for travelers.

With these improvements, the Albuquerque International Sunport is poised to offer a more enjoyable travel experience for passengers, making it a top choice for air travel in the region.

Read also:

Latest