El Paso International Airport

El Paso International Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a true gateway to the colourful region of West Texas and Southern New Mexico. The terminal welcomes travellers with a unique atmosphere where modern architecture harmoniously intertwines with motifs of desert landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of the borderlands. Here, in a city where the sun shines for over 300 days a year, your journey begins with a sense of spaciousness, comfort, and sincere Texan hospitality.

Features and Highlights

One of the main highlights of the airport is its interior and landscaping. The central area of the terminal, known as La Placita, is styled like a traditional town square with shops and cafes, allowing passengers to feel the local flavour even before stepping out into the city. The space is adorned with landscape design elements characteristic of the Chihuahuan Desert and bronze statues that highlight the region's history.

El Paso Airport is renowned for its convenient navigation and lack of long queues, making it one of the calmest and most comfortable air harbours in the state. Travellers are provided with free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the territory and numerous charging stations at the boarding gates. Its proximity to the city centre and major highways allows you to reach your hotel or the business district in literally 15–20 minutes.

For your convenience, we have gathered the essential contact information for El Paso International Airport (ELP). If you have any questions, you can contact airport representatives in one of the following ways:

• Official Website: The most complete and up-to-date information can always be found on the official website: www.elpasointernationalairport.com.
• Inquiry Phone: For general questions and information, you can call: +1 (915) 212-0330.
• Airport Address: 6701 Convair Rd, El Paso, TX 79925, USA.
• Email: A direct email address is not published, but a contact form for sending inquiries is available on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on popular social networks, where you can also follow news and updates.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items within the airport terminal, please contact the Lost and Found service at +1 (915) 212-0333. Please note: for luggage lost on board an aircraft, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support: For questions related to services at the airport, you can contact the main inquiry phone number.

Getting to El Paso International Airport (ELP) from the city centre or other districts is quite simple. The airport is located just a few kilometres northeast of downtown El Paso, making the journey quick and convenient. You can choose the option most suitable for you depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport. The most economical way to reach the airport is the Sun Metro bus network. Routes No. 33 and No. 50 directly connect the terminal with various parts of the city. A bus ride is an excellent opportunity to save money, but it is worth allowing extra time, especially during peak hours. On average, the journey from the city centre takes about 30-40 minutes. The ticket cost is minimal, making this the most budget-friendly option.

Taxi and Transfers. For those who value comfort and are travelling with luggage, the best choice would be taxis or ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. The trip from the city centre to the airport usually takes 15-20 minutes, excluding traffic. This is a more expensive, but also the fastest and most convenient method. You can also pre-book a private transfer that will meet you at a specified location at the appointed time.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings, renting a car would be the ideal solution. Offices of all leading rental companies are present at the airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, several parking zones are available: from short-term, located right by the terminal, to more budget-friendly long-term options. Rates vary depending on the duration of parking.

Although El Paso International Airport is the main transport hub for travellers across West Texas and Southern New Mexico, it is worth knowing about other nearby airports. Depending on your route, Abraham Gonzalez International Airport (19.5 km), located in Ciudad Juárez, or Las Cruces Airport (74.2 km) for regional flights within the USA might prove useful.

El Paso International Airport (ELP) is distinguished by a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers. The airport consists of one main terminal, which is divided into two main zones — the East and West Concourses.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building has two main levels:

• Lower Level (Arrivals Level) is intended for arriving passengers. Located here are the baggage claim areas, car rental counters, and exits to ground transport, including taxis and shuttles.
• Upper Level (Departures Level) is the departure zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, as well as shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

After passing through the single security checkpoint on the upper level, passengers enter a common secure area (airside), from where there is access to both concourses. This means you do not need to go through security again to move between them.

• Concourse A (East) serves gates A1-A4. Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are typically based here.
• Concourse B (West) is larger and serves gates B1-B11. It is most frequently used by Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and other carriers.

Check-in and screening procedures at El Paso Airport generally proceed quite quickly compared to larger airports in the USA. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure, and during peak hours — 2 hours prior, to complete all formalities, check in luggage, and find your boarding gate without haste.

Navigation through the terminal is straightforward thanks to clear signage in English and Spanish. Since all boarding gates are within walking distance after passing security, you will not need shuttles or trains to move between gates. Simply follow the signs to your concourse and gate number.

The history of El Paso International Airport (ELP) dates back to the dawn of aviation. It was founded in 1928 as a private airfield named Standard Airport and was acquired by the city just a year later. The first scheduled passenger services were launched by Standard Airlines, which later became part of American Airlines, making the airport an important point on the transcontinental routes of that time.

A significant stage in the airport's development was the World War II period. At that time, it was transferred for use by the USA Army Air Corps and functioned as the El Paso Army Airfield. Pilots and crews were trained here, and the airfield itself served as a vital transit point for ferrying aircraft and cargo.

After the war, with the advent of the jet age, the airport faced the need for large-scale modernization. In 1971, a new, modern terminal was opened, becoming one of the first in the country with a split-level design separating arrival and departure zones. This significantly increased capacity and comfort for passengers. In subsequent decades, the airport was expanded repeatedly: runways were lengthened, waiting lounges were modernized, and new gates were added.

In the 21st century, work on improving infrastructure continued. Lobby renovations were carried out, security and navigation systems were updated, and parking zones were expanded. An interesting fact: thanks to its location on the border and proximity to the major military base Fort Bliss, El Paso Airport has always played, and continues to play, a unique role, servicing not only civilian but also significant military transport operations.

El Paso International Airport (ELP) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find diverse dining spots: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can have a full meal. Shops offer a wide selection of goods — from press and souvenirs to electronics and travel essentials. Most establishments are located in the main area after passing security control, but several cafes are also available in the public zone.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport. You can easily stay connected, work, or simply surf the internet. Numerous stations for charging electronic devices are located throughout the terminal. The airport has comfortable waiting lounges, and for military personnel and their families, a special USO lounge is open, offering a quieter environment.

If you need to handle financial matters, several ATMs are installed in the terminal, and currency exchange points operate, which is particularly convenient for international travellers. In case of need, a first aid station is provided at the airport, where qualified personnel are ready to assist.

El Paso Airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, wheelchair assistance can be booked in advance through your airline. For families with small children, mother and child rooms are provided, where you can take care of your baby in a calm environment.

For business travellers, the airport offers business centre services and the possibility to rent conference rooms for meetings. If you need to stay overnight, numerous hotels from well-known chains are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, most of which offer free transfers to and from the terminal, making a layover or early departure maximally convenient.

At El Paso International Airport (ELP), passengers will find a decent selection of establishments for every taste and budget, reflecting the culinary traditions of the border region of the USA. The majority of cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the "airside" zone, after security screening, in the central food court connecting Concourses A and B. However, several options for a snack are also available in the public zone before security control.

If you wish to have a full lunch or dinner, pay attention to full-service restaurants such as Mesa Street Grill or Carlos & Mickey's Mexican Restaurant. Here you can experience local Tex-Mex cuisine by ordering fajitas, enchiladas, or other traditional dishes. For those in a hurry, fast food outlets are ideal. The airport features both famous global chains (such as Starbucks or Pizza Hut) and local establishments where you can quickly grab a sandwich, salad, or pastries.

Prices in airport establishments are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice. Most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian dishes. Passengers with special dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes) are advised to study the menus of specific establishments in advance, as there are few specialized restaurants, but finding suitable options in the menus of chain cafes is quite possible.

Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening flights. Coffee shops start working first to serve passengers on morning flights. Nevertheless, if your flight falls late at night, the choice may be limited to vending machines. Therefore, if you plan to eat at the airport, it is better to do so in advance.

Planning a trip through El Paso International Airport (ELP) will be easier if you take a few tips into account. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international ones. This time will be sufficient to go through all procedures without haste. To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which most airlines open 24 hours before departure. This allows you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Strict rules apply when passing security control at airports in the USA. All electronics larger than a mobile phone (laptops, tablets) must be removed from hand luggage. Liquids may be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent zip-lock bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Always keep documents, chargers, necessary medicines, and valuables with you.

Passengers connecting in El Paso should find the gate number for their next flight on the information board immediately after arrival. ELP Airport is quite compact, which simplifies movement between gates. If there is plenty of time before the next departure, you can visit the food court or shops. For international flights, you will need to pass through customs and border control. Have your passport, visa, and completed customs declaration ready if required.

To save money, consider booking parking in advance if you are travelling to the airport by car — this is often cheaper than paying on the spot. You can also bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, as well as light snacks from home. Regarding seat selection on the plane: choose a window seat for beautiful views, an aisle seat for freedom of movement, and the front of the cabin for a quick exit upon arrival.

In case of a flight delay, first check the information on the departure board or in your airline's app. Contact a representative of the carrier to find out about the flight status and possible options — rebooking on another flight or providing vouchers for food and accommodation during long delays. Stay calm and check the conditions of your travel insurance in advance for such situations.