Recognition adds to Sunport’s growing list of national accolades for art, customer satisfaction and the overall traveler experience
ALBUQUERQUE — The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) has earned the No. 10 spot among the nation’s top 10 airports for art in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Best Airport for Art competition featured airports nominated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors before being put to a public vote.
“ABQ is our city and state’s front door, and our investment in public art allows travelers to experience the creativity, culture and spirit of the Land of Enchantment from the moment they arrive,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This honor is a wonderful reflection of the artists, partners, and Aviation team who continue to make the Sunport a destination in its own right.”
The USA TODAY 10Best honor reflects the variety of the Sunport’s art program, from its permanent collection to rotating exhibitions and large-scale installations. Travelers can encounter works throughout the terminal that reflect New Mexico’s landscapes, cultures, history and spirit. As part of its Dream of Flight renovation, the Sunport has invested more than $3 million in public art, the largest public-art investment in its history.
The Sunport’s art experience continues to evolve, with more new works and installations expected over the next year as Dream of Flight moves toward completion.
“We’re proud to see the Sunport’s art program recognized on a national stage,” said Director of Aviation Manny Manriquez. “Our collection showcases the incredible talent of New Mexico artists and gives travelers a meaningful way to experience the creativity and character of our state. This honor reflects our commitment to making the Sunport an inviting and memorable part of the journey.”
The Sunport joins a distinguished group of airports recognized in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Tampa International Airport ranked No. 1, followed by Nashville International Airport, Denver International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport.
The USA TODAY 10Best recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for the Sunport. Last month, ABQ was named to J.D. Power’s 2026 list of the top 10 medium-sized airports in North America for customer satisfaction, ranking No. 9 and up four spots from last year. The ranking reflects satisfaction across the passenger journey, from curb to gate.
ABQ also recently ranked No. 4 among the least-stressful airports in a Rightway Parking analysis of 55 of the nation’s busiest airports. The study considered flight delays and cancellations, changes in delay rates from 2021-2025, and driving distance and time from each airport’s corresponding city. Albuquerque also recorded the smallest increase in delay rates among airports where delays increased during that period.
