During the holiday season, travelers at the Albuquerque International Sunport will be greeted by a remarkable transformation. Right past security, a new spot for the iconic Dream of Flight statue has emerged, accompanied by four exciting new dining options. This marks a significant milestone in the airport's evolution, offering travelers a diverse range of culinary choices and cultural experiences.

Unlock a World of Flavors at the Albuquerque Sunport

New Dining Spots at the Sunport

The Albuquerque Sunport's new food hall is now open, providing holiday travelers with four delightful places to grab a bite. Although not completely finished, these additions offer more options than ever before during the renovation period. As you pass security, you'll immediately notice the new spot for the iconic Dream of Flight statue and the arrival of new restaurants. Sunport officials and Mayor Tim Keller unveiled four new locations in the food hall on Monday: Flavor of New Mexico, Rush of Prana, Panda Express, and Dunkin'. This showcases the airport's commitment to enhancing the travel experience and incorporating local culture. 1: The introduction of these new dining spots is a game-changer for travelers. Darren Watson, a frequent flyer through the Sunport, noticed the difference immediately. "Everything looked different. My wife and I, right away, said, 'What's going on?' There weren't many choices before, but now we have quite a few options. Kind of fun you have a donut spot, you know, this healthy smoothie place. It's a little bit of everything going on here. So I think that's a good change because, you know, a lot of times you get to the airport early and now you have more to look forward to." 2: The Dream of Flight Statue takes center stage in the hall, now sitting on a stage. As you wait for your flight, you can enjoy performances by artists like Jason Younis. "This stage eventually is going to host musicians, demonstrating, artists, storytellers, all those things that are just touch points to our unique culture and traditions," Younis said. Moving the statue and adding a stage gives people a chance to really sit and enjoy, making the waiting time more enjoyable and immersive.

Local Culture and Food Integration

City's Director of Aviation Richard McCurley emphasized the importance of this project in incorporating New Mexican culture and food. "At the beginning of 2022 we had a vision of making a change here at the Sunport. And that vision was also to take into consideration the sense of place in Albuquerque and New Mexico," he said. This commitment to a local mix is evident in the new food hall, with roughly 80% of the offerings being local. 1: The addition of local flavors like those found at Flavor of New Mexico and other upcoming locations like Cheese & Coffee and Steel Bender Brewery showcases the airport's dedication to representing the local community. It provides travelers with a taste of Albuquerque and New Mexico right at the airport. 2: Mayor Tim Keller further highlighted the ongoing development, stating that Spirits is expected to open later this month and more locations will follow throughout 2025. This continuous growth and expansion ensure that the Sunport remains a vibrant and dynamic destination for travelers.