Albuquerque International Sunport drops a spot in J.D. Power’s latest airport satisfaction study

Despite recent renovations, the Albuquerque International Sunport has dropped a spot in the latest J.D. Power study.

The Sunport ranked No. 13 in J.D. Power’s 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, down one spot from last year as the airport undergoes its $90 million “Dream of Flight” renovation with new dining and retail, a relocated TSA checkpoint, and improved infrastructure and accessibility.

Manny Manriquez, deputy director of aviation for the city of Albuquerque, wrote to the Journal that major components of Sunport renovations are complete, but related initiatives will continue rolling out over the next several months.

“The building was starting to show its age, and with more travelers coming through, we needed to make sure the Sunport could keep up — in terms of comfort, modernization and efficiency,” Manriquez said. “At the same time, we wanted to create more opportunities for local businesses and bring even more of New Mexico’s culture into the space.”

The Sunport scored 627 out of a 1,000-point scale — 19 points less than last year and its lowest performance since 2020. It was also 29 points shy of meeting the 656-segment average in the “medium-sized” airport category.

Mike Taylor, J.D. Power senior managing director for travel, hospitality, retail and customer service, wrote to the Journal that the survey is made up of around 30,000 respondents who traveled through North America’s busiest airports from August 2024 through July 2025.

J.D. Power asked nearly 180 questions to then create a grading scale of what’s most important to travelers, Taylor said.

Taylor said the 19-point difference comes from construction and access issues garnered by recent renovations. There’s also been low ratings for the Sunport’s food, beverages and retail, but he noted that the upgrades directly address that.

Overall, Taylor said Albuquerque’s airport “projects a strong sense of place.”

The “medium” airport category, which ranks airports that have between 4.5 and 9.9 million passengers per year, was led by Indianapolis International Airport with 713 points, which also took the leaderboard last year at 687. The Edmonton International Airport in Canada trailed in last place with 602 points.

The Sunport did, however, trump some scores in the “mega airport” category, which includes facilities with 33 million or more passengers per year. The Albuquerque airport sits below No. 3 Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with 634 points and on top of No. 4 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport at 620.

This year, The Washington Post ranked the Sunport No. 7 on the 50 best airports in America. Manriquez said the upgrades, along with a welcoming spirit, played a large role in that recognition.

The Sunport’s “Dream of Flight” renovation, announced in 2022, continues to add new amenities for travelers. Just last week, Sunport officials announced the completion of the Holding Pattern, a redesigned cell phone waiting lot featuring heated restrooms, live flight information screens and 20% more parking, Manriquez said. A new observation deck will open in early 2027, he added.

“Travelers are going to feel the difference right away,” he said. “It’s more modern, more comfortable, and a lot more ‘New Mexico.’ From the food and the shops to the art and live music, there’s a real sense of place here.”