Airports near El Paso TX continue to anchor air travel across far West Texas and southern New Mexico in 2026, giving residents and visitors reliable access to major U.S. hubs and key destinations in Mexico. With steady airline schedules, consistent passenger demand, and strong cross-border ties, the region’s aviation network remains active and dependable.
El Paso sits at a strategic crossroads along the U.S.–Mexico border. That location shapes how people travel. Some passengers fly directly from the city, while others compare nearby airports within driving distance. From commercial jet service to general aviation facilities, each airport plays a distinct role in regional transportation.
Below is a detailed, up-to-date look at the primary airports serving the El Paso metropolitan area and surrounding communities as of February 2026.
El Paso International Airport (ELP)
Location: El Paso, Texas
Distance from Downtown: Approximately 6 miles
Ownership: City of El Paso
Primary Use: Commercial passenger and cargo service
El Paso International Airport is the central commercial airport in the region. It serves millions of passengers each year and connects West Texas to national airline hubs. The airport operates from a single terminal complex with two concourses, offering a straightforward layout that many travelers find easy to navigate.
Airlines Serving ELP in 2026
As of this month, the airport hosts several major U.S. carriers:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Allegiant Air
These airlines provide nonstop service to important hubs, including:
- Dallas/Fort Worth
- Houston
- Denver
- Phoenix
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Atlanta
- Chicago
Through these connections, passengers can reach most U.S. cities with one stop. Texas routes remain especially busy due to business and family travel demand.
Passenger Volume and Operations
El Paso International Airport handles more than three million passengers annually based on the most recent complete reporting year. Traffic has stabilized compared to pre-pandemic levels, with consistent daily departures to major hubs.
The airport also supports:
- Dedicated cargo operations
- Express shipping services
- Military-related travel linked to Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss, one of the largest U.S. Army installations in the country, contributes steady passenger activity throughout the year. Military personnel and their families frequently travel through ELP.
Terminal Amenities and Services
Travelers using ELP can expect:
- TSA PreCheck availability
- On-site rental car facilities
- Public parking garages and economy lots
- Rideshare pickup zones
- Dining and retail concessions
- Accessible facilities for travelers with disabilities
The airport continues routine infrastructure improvements, including runway maintenance and interior upgrades, to maintain operational efficiency and safety standards.
Abraham González International Airport (CJS) – Ciudad Juárez
Location: Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico
Distance from Downtown El Paso: Roughly 12–15 miles, depending on border crossing
Primary Use: Commercial passenger service within Mexico
Ciudad Juárez International Airport serves the Mexican side of the binational metropolitan area. For travelers heading to destinations within Mexico, it offers direct flight options not available from El Paso International Airport.
Airlines and Destinations
CJS is served by major Mexican carriers, including:
- Aeroméxico
- Volaris
- Viva Aerobus
Flights connect to cities such as:
- Mexico City
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
- Tijuana
- Cancún
These routes make the airport a practical choice for travelers visiting central or coastal Mexico.
Border Travel Considerations
Travelers departing from Ciudad Juárez must account for:
- Valid passport requirements
- Border crossing times
- International parking or transportation arrangements
- Mexican airline baggage policies
The Paso del Norte, Ysleta–Zaragoza, and Stanton Street bridges handle vehicle and pedestrian crossings between El Paso and Juárez. Wait times vary by time of day and season.
For some passengers, lower fares or direct service to Mexican cities justify the border crossing. Others prefer to remain on the U.S. side for convenience.
Las Cruces International Airport (LRU)
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: About 45 miles north
Primary Use: General aviation and government operations
Las Cruces International Airport does not currently provide scheduled commercial airline service. However, it remains an important regional aviation facility.
LRU supports:
- Private aircraft operations
- Corporate aviation
- Flight training programs
- Government and military activity
- Aircraft maintenance services
The airport also functions as a reliever facility, helping reduce congestion at larger airports during peak aviation periods. Pilots operating smaller aircraft often choose Las Cruces for its accessible runway system and lower traffic volume.
Although commercial airline service has operated at LRU in past decades, no major carrier currently schedules regular passenger flights there in 2026.
Alamogordo–White Sands Regional Airport (ALM)
Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: Approximately 90 miles northeast
Primary Use: General aviation
Alamogordo–White Sands Regional Airport primarily serves private aviation and local aviation services. It does not offer scheduled commercial airline service at this time.
Its proximity to Holloman Air Force Base contributes to aviation activity in the area. Military training operations and regional business flights utilize the airport’s facilities.
Residents of Otero County often drive to El Paso International Airport for commercial travel needs, given the broader airline selection available there.
Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF)
Location: Midland, Texas
Distance from El Paso: Around 300 miles east
Primary Use: Commercial passenger and cargo service
While not close in geographic terms, Midland International Air & Space Port occasionally factors into travel plans for West Texas residents. The airport serves the Permian Basin energy region and supports commercial airline traffic.
Airlines operating at MAF include:
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Midland offers nonstop flights to several Texas hubs and western cities. However, due to the long drive from El Paso, it is rarely the first choice for travelers in the border metro area.
Comparing Regional Airport Options
Travelers evaluating airports near El Paso TX often focus on three key factors: distance, destination availability, and cost.
Here is a general comparison:
| Airport | Commercial Service | Approx. Distance from El Paso | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso International (ELP) | Yes | 6 miles | U.S. domestic travel |
| Ciudad Juárez (CJS) | Yes | 12–15 miles | Travel within Mexico |
| Las Cruces (LRU) | No | 45 miles | Private aviation |
| Alamogordo (ALM) | No | 90 miles | General aviation |
| Midland (MAF) | Yes | 300 miles | Alternative West Texas hub |
For most residents, ELP remains the most convenient and efficient option.
Cargo and Military Influence on Regional Aviation
The El Paso region plays a major logistical role due to its border location. Cargo carriers operate daily flights through El Paso International Airport, supporting freight movement between Texas and other states.
Military activity also shapes aviation demand. Fort Bliss supports thousands of active-duty personnel and their families. Deployment cycles, training programs, and official travel contribute steady passenger flow throughout the year.
This combination of civilian, military, and cargo operations keeps runway and terminal activity consistent.
Travel Trends in 2026
Air travel patterns in 2026 show stable demand across mid-sized U.S. airports, including El Paso. Airlines continue to prioritize routes connecting regional cities to major hubs.
El Paso International Airport maintains reliable schedules to Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Denver. These connections allow one-stop access to the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast.
Seasonal leisure destinations, such as Las Vegas and Los Angeles, remain popular routes. Flight frequency may fluctuate slightly based on airline scheduling, but core service remains intact.
Cross-border air travel between El Paso and Mexican destinations also remains active. Ciudad Juárez International Airport continues to serve travelers heading to major Mexican metropolitan areas and coastal resorts.
Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip
Your choice depends on where you are going and how much time you want to spend driving.
Select El Paso International Airport if:
- You are traveling within the United States
- You prefer minimal ground transportation
- You want streamlined TSA security processing
Consider Ciudad Juárez International Airport if:
- You are flying to a Mexican city
- You find a competitive fare
- You have valid travel documents and flexible timing
Private pilots and aviation businesses may use Las Cruces or Alamogordo facilities for general aviation needs.
The Role of Airports in the Border Economy
Airports support tourism, business travel, and trade throughout the border region. El Paso’s proximity to Mexico strengthens its economic position. Corporate travelers, government officials, and families rely on consistent airline access.
The airport also supports regional events, university travel connected to the University of Texas at El Paso, and cross-border commerce.
Stable aviation infrastructure helps maintain economic momentum in far West Texas.
What Travelers Should Know Before Booking
Before selecting a departure airport:
- Compare flight schedules and total travel time
- Review parking and transportation costs
- Consider border wait times if departing from Mexico
- Confirm identification requirements
Travelers often prioritize convenience over small fare differences. For many, the short drive to ELP makes it the clear choice.
Air travel in far West Texas remains anchored by a dependable network centered on El Paso International Airport, with added flexibility from Ciudad Juárez and nearby New Mexico facilities. Whether you are planning domestic business travel or a trip deeper into Mexico, the region’s airports provide practical options for a range of needs.
Have you flown from one of these regional airports recently? Share your experience and stay informed about ongoing travel updates across the El Paso area.