Ever wondered why Santa Fe Municipal Airport holds such a unique place in aviation history? This airport has a story that stretches back to World War II. It continues to evolve.
Santa Fe Municipal Airport is a public airport. It is located 10 miles southwest of Santa Fe. The airport serves the greater Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. It is the second busiest commercial airport in New Mexico. Albuquerque International Sunport is the first. Santa Fe Municipal Airport stands at 6348 feet above sea level. This makes it one of the highest airports in the United States.
Originally, the airport opened in 1941. It served as a military airfield during World War II. After the war, the city bought it. All commercial activity moved here from Boyd Field. Boyd Field was the former Santa Fe Municipal Airport. It was located off Cerrillos Road. Until 2018, it was known as Santa Fe County Municipal Airport. Then, it was renamed Santa Fe Regional Airport.
The current terminal building opened in 1957. It offers 11000 square feet of space. The terminal was renovated in 1988 and 2004. A major expansion started in 2022.
In June 1972, Frontier and Texas International Airlines stopped serving Santa Fe. They cited unsafe runway conditions. Prop damage from deteriorating asphalt caused this. Neither carrier returned. Commuter airlines with smaller aircraft then served the airport. In 1983, Santa Fe saw its first code share service. This was by a commuter airline on behalf of a major airline.
The airport experienced tremendous growth after 2009. Major airlines introduced regional jet service. In 2011, there were 43329 passenger boardings. By 2019, this number increased to 142057.
To handle this increase, the terminal was remodeled in 2016. Much of the restaurant was removed. This created added gate space. The airport manager’s office became a baggage claim. The manager moved to a portable building. Aircraft parking was also changed. Now three aircraft could be accommodated instead of two.
In 2017, the Santa Fe City Council approved an expansion plan. This would better accommodate current and future airline service. The plan included expanding the terminal, adding gate space, and creating a new baggage claim area. A new parking lot with 750 spaces was also part of the plan.
The airport has seen many airlines come and go over the years. Mid Continent Air Express served Santa Fe in 1929. Continental Airlines followed. Pioneer Air Lines and Trans World Airlines also provided service. Frontier Airlines began flights in 1963. Trans-Texas Airways also served Santa Fe.
Interestingly, Santa Fe had no scheduled passenger airline service. This lasted from December 2007 to June 2009. Service resumed when American Eagle began flights to Dallas/Fort Worth.
Today, American Eagle serves Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix. United Express flies to Denver. These airlines ensure Santa Fe remains connected. They link the city to major hubs across the country.
Santa Fe Municipal Airport continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its growing community. Its rich history and ongoing improvements make it a vital part of Santa Fe. It offers both residents and visitors easy access to the world. The airport stands as a testament to Santa Fe’s spirit. It is a spirit of progress and connection.