Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) is soaring into the future with a transformative renovation and expansion project that promises to redefine regional air travel for locals and visitors alike. Located just 10 miles southwest of the city center, SAF serves as a vital transportation hub for Northern New Mexico, offering unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and accessibility.
With an ambitious multi-phase plan, SAF is poised to become the region’s premier gateway to domestic and international destinations, serving travelers to and from Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Taos, and Northern New Mexico.
This Santa Fe Regional Airport expansion article is sponsored by Fly Santa Fe — promoting SAF to be your passport to exploring the world with ease and comfort.
A Hub in the Heart of Northern New Mexico
The Santa Fe airport has flights to and from Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix, with global connections to the rest of the world. SAF hopes to offer direct flights to Southern California after the expected terminal expansion during Phase 2 completion in spring 2027. Airport officials have already released Requests for Proposals for interested carriers.
Why choose SAF? With competitive ticket prices, shorter drive times, and stress-free parking, SAF offers an efficient and enjoyable travel experience for those traveling to and from Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.
Airport Manager James Harris recounts Santa Fe Mayor Alan Weber’s experience traveling home from the Santa Fe airport — “The airplane landed, and he was at his front door in less than 30 minutes.” This is why SAF is your best ticket to fly.
Restoration and Remodel Phase 1: Enhancing Your Travel Experience
Phase 1 of the airport terminal and parking lot expansion project marks a significant milestone, with a $21.5 million investment focused on enhancing passenger comfort and convenience while also improving accessibility and sustainability.
Here’s What’s New: Santa Fe Airport Expansion
Airport Manager James Harris joined the city team in late 2022 and has been instrumental in improving the traveler experience, anticipating what travelers need while flying in and out from Santa Fe.
With a growing number of passengers, SAF is pursuing the interest of additional airlines and expanded flights from the existing carriers, United and American. The first goal is for non-stop flights to and from Southern California.
Expanded Terminal and Waiting Area – More Space, More Comfort
Serving as many as 1,000 passengers a day, Santa Fe Regional Airport has undergone significant expansion. Over 8,000 square feet of new space provides additional seating, a new departure/arrival gate, and a comfortable, secure boarding area to streamline the passenger experience. New restrooms further improve passenger comfort and convenience.
Food & Beverage Service
Santa Fe Regional Airport now offers passengers and visitors space to enjoy increased dining options before or after their flights. This amenity enhances the overall travel experience, providing a welcome respite for those departing or arriving at the airport.
Wolf and Mermaid Enchanted Roasters, a popular catering service and storefront café located in both Los Alamos and Santa Fe, provides fresh roasted, micro-batch coffee, cappuccinos, and lattes, plus sandwiches, burritos, and delicately baked pastries, including blueberry muffins and green chile croissants prepared to perfection and more.
Located inside the secure area of the terminal at SAF, they provide their services until the last flight takes off. During the next phase of the Santa Fe airport remodel, SAF is also seeking food truck vendors to diversify the dining options for hungry passengers.
Improved Parking and Dedicated Pick-up and Drop-off Lanes
To further promote convenience and accessibility, the Santa Fe airport parking area has expanded to accommodate more vehicles while easing congestion and improving traffic flow. Now, it has four lanes separated by a median with benches and a seating area. The space is well-lit with new solar lights and security cameras.
Airport officials have also created additional security positions for all areas of SAF to provide improved protection, including the parking lot. Plus, a dedicated cell phone waiting lane provides space for drivers awaiting arriving passengers.
The pickup/drop-off lane is closest to the terminal. Next to that is the pass-through lane and a dedicated taxi and executive drop-off and pickup car lane. Now fully paved and expanded for approximately 500 vehicles, the lanes are a one-way loop around the main parking area.
Improvements for overflow parking are in process. Once completed, it will add two additional parking areas with 200 parking spaces.
Accessibility Upgrades
The airport has completed ADA-compliant features, ensuring that all travelers can navigate the facilities with ease.
Sustainability at the Forefront
SAF’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives shines through in Phase 1. Infrastructure for solar power installations, bicycle paths, and pedestrian-friendly facilities reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. New sustainable landscaping throughout the airport grounds will complement these physical improvements, creating a more welcoming and visually appealing environment for all.
Santa Fe Regional Airport Expansion Phase 2: A Glimpse into the Future
The second phase of the Santa Fe airport construction, with an estimated $20 million budget, will elevate SAF as a major transportation hub for New Mexico. Planned enhancements include:
- A new connection to NM 599 for better airport access.
- A state-of-the-art parking garage to accommodate the growing number of travelers.
- Additional passenger amenities ensure SAF retains its charm with improved efficiency and modernization.
Santa Fe Regional Airport’s renovation solidifies its role as a vital regional gateway. Improved facilities will accommodate growing passenger numbers and attract new airlines and routes, making Santa Fe even more accessible to New Mexicans and visitors worldwide.
Why Fly from SAF? Convenient, Affordable, and Accessible
When comparing the airports in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the Santa Fe Airport emerges as the clear winner for travelers seeking convenience and value, simplifying their travel experience. Here’s why:
Save Time
SAF is closer for Northern New Mexico residents, reducing travel times to and from the airport.
Stress-Free Santa Fe Airport Parking
With a flat $7 daily rate and no stairs or elevators to navigate, SAF offers easy-access parking just steps from the terminal.
Competitive Prices
Airfare from SAF is comparable to ABQ, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers.
As Airport Manager Harris simply puts it, “It’s easier to travel through with the improvements to the airport. Considering the wait time, the drive times, and parking fees, it’s a better overall experience than driving to Albuquerque.”
Santa Fe Airport Flights and Connections
Santa Fe Regional Airport offers multiple daily non-stop flights to Dallas and Denver, connecting passengers to hundreds of global destinations. All flights are operated on comfortable regional jets featuring a two-class configuration and onboard WiFi for passenger enjoyment.
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN), also referred to by locals as DIA
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
In the future, SAF flights to Southern California will open new opportunities for the film industry and tourists alike, further solidifying Santa Fe’s reputation as a vibrant and unique hub for arts, culture, and business. The Santa Fe airport remodel still maintains the airport’s intimate and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring travelers feel the spirit of Santa Fe from the moment they arrive.
A Gateway to the City Different
With breathtaking vistas of the Jemez Mountains to the west, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east, and the Manzanos and Sandias to the south, Santa Fe Regional Airport embodies the enchanting beauty of Northern New Mexico. Upon arrival, travelers are welcomed by public art, including Navajo artist Ehren Kee Natay’s stunning mural Shiprock at Dusk.
The newly covered outdoor observation area offers impressive Caja del Rio views to enjoy snacks and drinks while you wait for your flight. With Phase 1 nearing completion and Phase 2 on the horizon, Santa Fe’s Regional Airport is a reflection of Santa Fe’s unique spirit and dedication to innovation.
Fly Santa Fe invites you to explore the convenience, comfort, and efficiency of the Santa Fe Regional Airport. Whether you’re booking a business trip or planning a dream vacation, a frequent flier, or a first-time visitor, Santa Fe Airport will be your passport to thousands of exciting domestic and international destinations — just a step away from home is your gateway to the world.
Visit FlySantaFe.com for more information on flights, parking, and the exciting Santa Fe Regional Airport expansion.
––––––
Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)
121 Aviation Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87507
SPONSORED BY FLY SANTA FE
