Airports near El Paso TX continue to play a critical role in regional, domestic, and cross-border travel as of February 2026, with El Paso International Airport leading passenger traffic and nearby New Mexico and Texas airports expanding service options. Travelers in far West Texas and southern New Mexico now benefit from steady airline schedules, cross-border access, and improved regional connectivity.
El Paso sits at the intersection of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Because of that geography, travelers often compare multiple airports within a few hours’ drive. Below is a verified, up-to-date look at the primary and secondary airports serving the El Paso region today.
Table of Contents
El Paso International Airport (ELP)
Location: El Paso, Texas
Distance from downtown El Paso: About 6 miles
Type: Public, commercial service airport
El Paso International Airport remains the primary commercial airport serving the region. It operates under the City of El Paso and supports both domestic passenger service and cargo operations.
Airlines Operating at ELP (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 major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago. Seasonal routes adjust based on demand, but core connections to Texas and western U.S. hubs remain consistent.
Passenger Traffic and Operations
El Paso International Airport handles millions of passengers annually. In the most recently reported full-year data, traffic exceeded 3 million travelers, reflecting steady recovery and continued growth in regional air demand. Daily commercial departures connect El Paso to major connecting hubs, making one-stop travel to most U.S. cities convenient.
The airport also supports:
- U.S. Customs operations for international arrivals
- Cargo carriers including FedEx and UPS
- Military-related aviation activity tied to nearby Fort Bliss
Terminal and Amenities
ELP operates from a single passenger terminal with two concourses. Travelers have access to:
- TSA PreCheck lanes
- Rental car services on-site
- Dining and retail options
- Public parking garages and economy lots
- Rideshare and taxi services
Ongoing maintenance and facility upgrades continue to modernize passenger areas and improve efficiency.
Ciudad Juárez International Airport (CJS)
Official Name: Abraham González International Airport
Location: Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico
Distance from downtown El Paso: About 12–15 miles, depending on border crossing
Although located in Mexico, Ciudad Juárez International Airport is one of the most practical airports near El Paso TX for certain travelers. Many residents of the El Paso–Juárez metro area use CJS for flights within Mexico.
Airlines and Service
CJS offers service from major Mexican carriers, including:
- Aeroméxico
- Volaris
- Viva Aerobus
Flights connect passengers to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Cancún, and other major Mexican destinations.
Travelers crossing the U.S.–Mexico border must factor in:
- Border wait times
- Passport requirements
- International travel documentation
For U.S. travelers heading to Mexican destinations, CJS can offer competitive fares and nonstop routes that are not available from ELP.
Las Cruces International Airport (LRU)
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: About 45 miles north
Type: Public-use airport
Las Cruces International Airport does not currently offer scheduled commercial airline service. However, it remains an important regional aviation hub.
LRU supports:
- General aviation
- Corporate flights
- Flight training schools
- Military operations
- Air cargo activity
The airport serves Doña Ana County and functions as a reliever airport for El Paso International Airport. While commercial passenger service has operated there in the past, no major airline currently runs scheduled routes from LRU as of February 2026.
Alamogordo–White Sands Regional Airport (ALM)
Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico
Distance from El Paso: About 90 miles northeast
Alamogordo–White Sands Regional Airport primarily handles general aviation traffic. It does not currently offer regular commercial airline service.
The airport supports:
- Private aviation
- Military training activity connected to Holloman Air Force Base
- Regional business flights
For residents of Otero County, ALM offers aviation access without the congestion of larger airports. However, commercial travelers typically drive to El Paso International Airport for scheduled airline service.
Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF)
Location: Midland, Texas
Distance from El Paso: About 300 miles east
While farther away, Midland International Air & Space Port serves as a secondary option for some West Texas travelers. MAF provides a wider range of nonstop flights compared to smaller regional airports.
Airlines at MAF include:
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Midland offers direct service to several Texas hubs and western U.S. cities. However, due to distance, it is not typically the first choice for El Paso residents.
Comparing Airports Near El Paso TX
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the primary airports in the region:
| Airport | Distance from El Paso | Commercial Flights | International Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Paso International (ELP) | 6 miles | Yes | Limited | Most U.S. travel |
| Ciudad Juárez (CJS) | 12–15 miles | Yes | Mexico routes | Travel within Mexico |
| Las Cruces (LRU) | 45 miles | No | No | General aviation |
| Alamogordo (ALM) | 90 miles | No | No | Private flights |
| Midland (MAF) | 300 miles | Yes | Limited | Expanded Texas routes |
For most travelers, El Paso International Airport remains the most practical and efficient option.
Cross-Border Travel Considerations
The El Paso metropolitan area is one of the largest binational communities in North America. Because of that, many travelers compare fares between ELP and CJS.
Before choosing Ciudad Juárez International Airport, consider:
- Valid passport requirements
- Border crossing wait times
- Parking and transportation logistics
- Airline baggage policies
Some travelers find lower fares or nonstop options to Mexican cities from CJS. Others prefer the convenience and TSA-based security process at ELP.
Military and Cargo Impact on Regional Airports
Fort Bliss, one of the largest U.S. Army installations, significantly influences aviation activity in the area. Military personnel frequently travel through El Paso International Airport. In addition, the region supports cargo logistics due to its border location.
ELP continues to handle substantial freight operations, including:
- Express parcel carriers
- Cross-border logistics support
- Regional freight distribution
This steady mix of passenger and cargo operations keeps airport infrastructure active year-round.
Current Infrastructure and Travel Outlook (2026)
As of today, El Paso International Airport continues to focus on:
- Passenger experience upgrades
- Runway maintenance and safety improvements
- Air service development efforts
Airline capacity nationwide has stabilized, and El Paso has maintained reliable service levels compared to many mid-sized U.S. airports. Seasonal flight adjustments occur, but core hub connections remain consistent.
No major new commercial airport projects have replaced or redefined the current airport structure in the El Paso region. ELP remains the central aviation hub.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
For most residents and visitors, the decision comes down to destination and price.
Choose El Paso International Airport (ELP) if:
- You are flying within the United States
- You prefer minimal driving
- You want strong hub connections
Choose Ciudad Juárez International Airport (CJS) if:
- You are traveling within Mexico
- You find a significantly lower fare
- You are comfortable with cross-border travel logistics
Smaller regional airports near El Paso TX primarily serve private or specialized aviation needs rather than commercial airline passengers.
Final Takeaway
Air travel in far West Texas remains centered on El Paso International Airport, with cross-border flexibility through Ciudad Juárez. Smaller New Mexico airports support private aviation but do not offer scheduled commercial service. As of February 2026, the structure of air travel in the region remains stable, reliable, and accessible for both domestic and international travelers.
If you’ve recently flown from one of these airports near El Paso TX, share your experience and stay tuned for the latest regional travel updates.
