Flights to Albuquerque added for Balloon Fiesta

An additional airline will be flying people to Albuquerque from some of the country's biggest cities for New Mexico's premier attraction.

For the first time in Balloon Fiesta’s 52 years, Spirit Airlines is offering additional round trip flights for the occasion.

“Albuquerque is a vibrant city that truly comes to life during its famous Balloon Fiesta, and we’re excited to make it easier for more visitors to experience this special event with our new limited-time service from Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles to complement our year-round service to Las Vegas,” said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines.

Spirit Airlines is adding daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).

Spirit Airlines flights schedule will only be expanding for a limited time starting Oct. 2 until Oct. 15, lining up with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which starts Saturday Oct. 5 and enns Sunday, Oct. 15.

Spirit already has daily flights to Albuquerque on Nevada’s Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

"We are very excited for these added flights this year," said Leah Black, a spokesperson for the Sunport. "The Spirit partnership is not too new, they have been with the Sunport for over two years."

Black said the Sunport is expecting record-setting passenger numbers this year, though exact statistics won't be available until after the Fiesta.

In addition to Spirit, American Airlines will also be adding a flight between Austin, Texas, and Albuquerque from Oct. 4 and Oct. 13. Sun Country Airlines, the newest airline at the Sunport, will also offer flights around and during the Fiesta to Minneapolis. Delta Airlines will be adding flights from JFK Airport in New York during the two weekends of Balloon Fiesta.

"We are grateful for all of the airlines adding new routes for the Balloon Fiesta window this year," Black said.