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Grant County Airport

About the Airport

Grant County Airport is not merely a runway amidst scenic landscapes, but your personal gateway to the world of the Wild West and the pristine nature of southwestern New Mexico. Located near the historic town of Silver City, it serves as a starting point for journeys to ancient cliff dwellings and the boundless expanses of the Gila National Forest. This compact and convenient airport will mark the beginning of your unforgettable adventure in one of the most authentic corners of the USA.

Grant County Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code SVC
ICAO Code KSVC
City Silver City
Distance to Centre approx. 26 km
Status Domestic
Passengers per Year approx. 6,000
Popular Airlines Advanced Air

The main advantage of Grant County Airport is its compactness and simplicity. There are no long queues or the hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs here, allowing you to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly and without stress. The airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, providing regular air service to major hubs such as Albuquerque (ABQ) and Phoenix (PHX), thanks to the Essential Air Service (EAS) programme.

Despite its modest size, the airport offers basic amenities for travellers, including car rental services, which are crucially important for exploring the surroundings. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for trips to iconic places such as the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and the picturesque trails of one of the country's largest national forests. This makes it indispensable for tourists wishing to discover the rich history and unique nature of this region.

Contact Information

Below is the essential contact information for Grant County Airport (SVC). Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some services, such as baggage tracing, are handled directly by the airlines.

  • Official Website: All main information about the airport is available on the official Grant County portal.
  • Information Desk Phone: +1 (575) 538-8663. You can contact the airport administration at this number for general enquiries.
  • Airport Address: 188 Airport Rd, Hurley, NM 88043, USA.
  • Email: A dedicated email address for general passenger enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact phone number for communication.
  • Social Media: Currently, Grant County Airport does not maintain official pages on social media platforms.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the airline you travelled with directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general information about airport services, use the phone number listed above. For questions related to tickets, bookings, and flight status, please contact your airline.

How to Get to the Airport

Grant County Airport (SVC) is located relatively close to Silver City, making the journey there quick and convenient. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Travellers can choose from several ways to reach the airport to begin or conclude their journey across the USA.

Taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest and most convenient way to reach the airport without hassle. Several local taxi services operate in the city. This is an excellent option if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage. The cost of the trip will be higher compared to other modes of transport, but the comfort and speed justify it. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival.

Car Rental is the most popular and practical choice for tourists arriving in this region. Having your own transport gives you the freedom to move not only around Silver City but also to explore the picturesque surroundings of New Mexico. Most major rental companies have counters at the airport or arrange vehicle delivery. If you plan to travel extensively, renting a car will be the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided. Typically, both short-term and long-term parking options are available at reasonable rates, which is convenient if you are flying away for a few days.

Possibilities for using public transport to travel to Grant County Airport are limited. Standard city bus routes may not reach the terminal directly. Before travelling, it is worth checking the current schedule and routes with the local transport operator, but for tourists with luggage and limited time, this option may not be the most reliable.

When planning your trip, it is also worth considering arriving at one of the neighbouring, larger airports. For example, El Paso International Airport (ELP), located approximately 191 km away, offers significantly more flights. Other options include Las Cruces Airport (LRU) and Abraham Gonzalez International Airport (CJS) in neighbouring Ciudad Juárez. From these airports, you can reach Silver City by rental car or transfer services.

Terminals and Map

Grant County Airport (SVC) is a small regional airport serving the city of Silver City and its surroundings in the USA. Its key feature is compactness and simplicity, making it very convenient for passengers. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which is used for all operations, including check-in, security screening, departures, and arrivals.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. All functional zones—several check-in counters, a single security checkpoint, a small waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area—are located in one building within minimal distance of each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals. The departure and arrival zones are essentially different parts of the same hall, eliminating the possibility of getting lost.

The main advantage of Grant County Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take very little time, often no more than 20-30 minutes. However, despite this, it is always recommended to arrive at the airport at least one hour before departure to avoid unforeseen situations.

For navigation, simply follow the clear and understandable signs. Essential amenities, such as restrooms and potentially car rental counters, are located right here in the main building. Thanks to the compact structure, your journey through SVC airport will be as quick and comfortable as possible, without the stress and bustle characteristic of large aviation hubs.

Airport History

The history of Grant County Airport (SVC) is closely linked to the development of the southwestern part of New Mexico. Its story began in the pre-war years: the airport was built under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programme and officially opened in April 1940. Initially, it was created as a civil facility to improve transport accessibility for this remote region known for its mining industry.

With the entry of the USA into World War II, the airport acquired strategic importance. It was transferred to the command of the US Army Air Forces and functioned as the Silver City Army Airfield training base. Here, pilots underwent training before being deployed to the front. After the war ended, the facility was returned to civil use, and commercial transport resumed on its base, playing a key role in the post-war growth of Silver City.

Over the decades, the airport has been served by various regional airlines. One of the longest-standing and most significant partners was Frontier Airlines, which for many years connected Silver City with major cities such as Albuquerque, Phoenix, and El Paso. In subsequent years, the airport went through several stages of modernisation, including runway reconstruction and terminal updates, to meet modern safety and comfort standards.

An interesting fact: today Grant County Airport is an important participant in the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme, which ensures subsidised air service for small and remote communities. Thanks to this programme, residents and guests of the city have a stable air link with major transport hubs, which supports local tourism, business, and the activities of Western New Mexico University.

Services and Amenities

Grant County Airport (SVC) is a small regional aviation hub providing basic services and amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight. The infrastructure here is not as extensive as in large international airports; however, passengers will find everything necessary for a short stay.

There are no cafes or restaurants within the terminal, but you can grab a bite using vending machines offering snacks and beverages. For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. There are also power outlets for charging electronic devices.

Financial services are represented by ATMs. Please note that there are no currency exchange bureaus at the airport, so it is best to arrange currency exchange in advance. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business centres here, as the airport is oriented towards serving local flights.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: staff assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking, and accessible restrooms are available. For families with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms. There is no separate medical centre at the airport, but in an emergency, staff will provide first aid or call for medical services.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but various accommodation options can easily be found in nearby towns, for example, in Silver City.

Where to Eat

When planning a trip through Grant County Airport (SVC), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport primarily serving local flights. Consequently, dining options directly within the terminal building are extremely limited or non-existent. You will not find the variety of restaurants, cafes, or dining outlets typical of large international airports here.

Passengers are strongly advised to eat beforehand, prior to arriving at the airport. The best strategy would be to visit one of the establishments in Silver City, where you can find options to suit various dietary preferences, including Halal-friendly choices if available in town. It is also a sensible decision to bring light snacks (sandwiches, etc.) with you. Please note that beverages in volumes greater than 100 ml must be purchased after passing security control, provided a vending machine is accessible in the sterile area.

Inside the terminal itself, there may be vending machines with drinks (water, soft drinks) and basic snacks (crisps, chocolate bars). This is the only option for a quick bite on site. Unfortunately, it is not possible to have a full lunch or dinner at Grant County Airport. Please plan your time and meals with this feature in mind.

Tips for Travellers

When planning a trip through Grant County Airport, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Although it is a small regional airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary hassle and save time.

Arrival and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before the departure of your domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in luggage and pass through security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure.

Security Control and Hand Luggage: The screening procedure at Grant County Airport is standard for the USA. Be prepared to remove large electronic devices (laptops, tablets) and liquids from your hand luggage. Remember the 3-1-1 rule: liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz), packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Check the list of prohibited items in advance to avoid confiscation.

Seat Selection and Connections: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely. Grant County Airport primarily serves flights to major hubs (such as Albuquerque or Phoenix), so if you are flying to another city, you will likely have a connection. International customs control is not conducted here; it will take place at the first major airport of arrival in the country or departure from it.

Savings and Flight Delays: To save money, book tickets in advance and consider travelling light with only hand luggage to avoid baggage fees. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for current information and to clarify your rights to compensation (e.g., meal vouchers). Since the airport is small, keep a book or downloaded films handy to pass the waiting time.

Following these simple recommendations, your journey from or to the city of Silver City will begin easily and pleasantly. Have a safe trip!

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