OPINION: Sunport recognized for punching above its weight

Too often New Mexico and Albuquerque find themselves on the wrong end of national rankings — education, crime, poverty, etc.

But a major national newspaper correctly gave the city a top spot on an important list: best airports.

The Albuquerque International Sunport was ranked the No. 7 best airport in the U.S. by the Washington Post. It was scored among airports in Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Long Beach, California; and Washington, D.C., based on survey results from thousands of readers, hundreds of thousands of Yelp reviews and other data.

The quality of a city’s airport is nothing to scoff at. A good airport is vital to a city’s economy, connectivity and quality of life. It opens doors for travelers and businesses, and connects the place to the rest of the country.

Good airports are efficient, relaxing and highlight the best attributes of the city and state.

The Sunport hits the mark in all categories. The chairs are comfortable. There’s plenty of phone chargers. The ceilings are high and the windows are large, showcasing some of the best parts of Albuquerque, like the sunshine and Sandia Mountains. The state’s unique cuisine is available to visitors wanting to savor green chile one last time before their plane boards.

I’ve spent the night before Christmas Eve in the Denver International Airport because nasty weather canceled a flight; sleeping on the floor because the stiff chairs and pointy arm wrests offer no relief for a stranded passenger. The airport is so far from the city that it adds another hour or so onto a trip.

Traffic creeps along like a snail from Heathrow Airport to London after a long flight across the pond. Orlando International Airport can jam up with people trying to get out of the tourist-trap city. Fluorescent lights and low ceilings are a miserable way to be greeted in my hometown at the Omaha Eppley Airfield, which is actually in Iowa.

Meanwhile, the Sunport is a short drive from Downtown. The parking is nearby and the shuttle-service to the cheaper parking lot is efficient, and overnight parking is extremely affordable compared to other cities.

We’ve known the Sunport punched above its weight class for years. Remember when actor Alec Baldwin went viral when he marveled on social media about the cleanliness and style of the Sunport? Of course, he had a horrible trip here, but at least he was comfortable when he left town after his manslaughter trial.

Albuquerque has emphasized its airport infrastructure. The $90 million “Dream of Flight” renovation project has improved the airport, which modernized the Sunport for travelers and provided opportunities for local businesses.

The Post wrote that “few airports embody their location more than the Sunport.”

It gave a nod to its adobe-style, which it said was more comparable to a local pueblo than an airport. It noted the Cavalcade of Wing’s and its museum-like history showcase before going through security, and the food, like green chile cheeseburgers, breakfast burritos and piñon coffee to nosh on while waiting at the gate. There’s also tons of local artwork, including the “Dream of Flight” statue by Lincoln Fox, which adds a dramatic touch to the Sunport’s aesthetic.

The Sunport is Albuquerque’s front porch. It’s the first thing people see when they arrive and the last thing they take in when they leave.

Mayor Tim Keller, in a recent Journal special edition on the Sunport, called it a “shining pathway to the special place we get to call home.”

Richard McCurley, the city’s aviation director, said the Sunport is proud of its rank, and that it was a reflection of the hard work of the entire team, from custodial staff to airline partners.

“The Sunport is a reflection of who we are as a state: welcoming, authentic, and full of culture,” he said in a statement. “We’ve worked hard to create a travel experience that’s efficient, friendly and uniquely New Mexican, and we’re just thrilled that travelers across the country are taking notice.”