Work could begin early next year on a massive renovation of the Albuquerque International Sunport, giving the facility its most significant upgrade in more than a decade.
City officials say that among the projects in the upgrade will be the building of a new food court and Transportation Security Administration screening checkpoint near the airport’s elevator area.
What is expected to be a 3-year project has an estimated price tag of $85 million, with additional work seeing an upgrade of the airport’s electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
The upgrade will also convert all existing lighting to LED lighting.
In a statement, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said the project will allow the Sunport to “drive forward and improve the safety and ease of the traveler experience from the curb to the gate.”
Albuquerque-based FBT Architects is currently working with the Sunport in developing the design and overall concept of the upgrade project.
Located at 2200 Sunport Boulevard, the Sunport, which is owned by the City of Albuquerque, is the largest airport in New Mexico, serving more than 3.4 million travelers last year.
The 600,000 square foot terminal was opened in the fall of 1965 and subsequently saw renovations in the late 1980s, 1996, and 2005.
By Garry Boulard
