Sunport Prepares for Busy Memorial Day, Summer Travel Season
Increased traffic expected, Sunport provides tips and air service update
ALBUQUERQUE — With locals and visitors eager to travel and all indicators pointing to a busy summer travel season, and passenger levels already matching pre-pandemic numbers, the Albuquerque International Sunport is providing recommendations to travelers to ensure a smooth experience starting this Memorial Day weekend. TSA is projecting Friday, May 26 to be the busiest day of the long weekend, with approximately 2.6 million passengers expected to travel nationwide.
Memorial Day Weekend / Summer Travel Tips
- Arrive two (2) hours ahead of departure time
- Take advantage of self-service kiosks, airline apps and TSA Pre-Check
- Stay in touch with airlines for the most current flight information
- Plan for extra time to find parking
- For information on TSA policies and acceptable travel documents/ID’s, visit TSA.org
“The upcoming travel season will no doubt be our busiest since the pandemic and we are eager to welcome thousands of travelers beginning this holiday weekend,” said Richard McCurley Director of Aviation for the City of Albuquerque. “While we are prepared to handle this season’s anticipated increase in travel, we would like passengers to be aware of the goings-on at the Sunport, especially as our Dream of Flight terminal renovation is now in full-swing.”
On July 15, Southwest Airlines will kick-off seasonal service from ABQ to Orlando (MCO), and on September 5, the airline will launch its new, daily non-stop service between ABQ and Long Beach (LGB) while reintroducing daily service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI), up from the current weekly offering. The Sunport will offer nonstop service to 29 destinations in 2023, the most it has seen since 2012.
This summer, the Sunport will also be making improvements to its parking garage, which will temporarily reduce capacity beginning mid-June 2023. Multiple off-site parking providers are available should the Sunport reach full capacity. Visit abqsunport.com/parking-lots-rates/ for more information. In addition, the passenger path to the current TSA checkpoint will continue to evolve over the next several months as the new checkpoint is being constructed.
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About the Albuquerque International Sunport
Owned and operated by the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department, The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico’s largest commercial airport, welcoming over 5 million passengers each year. Served by 8 major carriers, the Sunport offers non-stop service between ABQ and over 20 destinations, with worldwide connectivity. The Albuquerque International Sunport is the Gateway of New Mexico.
