Las Cruces, N.M. – The City of Las Cruces announced that Brad Weems will lead the International Airport as its new director, bringing two decades of airport‑administration experience from Washington Dulles International Airport. Weems, who began his tenure in August 2026, said his priority is to restore commercial passenger service and expand the airport’s role as an economic engine for the community.
Restoring passenger flights
After Advanced Air discontinued service to Albuquerque in July due to exhausted grant funding and low ridership, the airport has been without scheduled passenger flights. Weems told the Sun‑News that the city is exploring a direct connection to Phoenix, a major airline hub, with a target launch in 2027. The Department of Transportation would provide a grant, while the city would contribute 10 percent of the required funding and secure an airline through a competitive procurement process. “A Phoenix link would give our residents access to many more destinations without the long drive to Albuquerque or El Paso,” Weems said.
Economic development initiatives
Beyond passenger service, Weems highlighted plans to attract aviation‑related businesses to the airport grounds. A recent ribbon‑cutting ceremony marked the expansion of Native Air’s ambulance operations to include fixed‑wing aircraft, and the airport is studying the feasibility of an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) school. “It makes sense to bring those businesses here,” Weems explained, noting that training programs and maintenance shops can create skilled jobs for local residents.
Addressing past safety concerns
The airport has operated under interim leadership since former director Andy Hume retired in December 2025 amid an FAA investigation into alleged non‑compliance with safety protocols. The investigation centered on an employee who was not sufficiently qualified for their duties. The FAA completed its annual inspection in early 2026 and reported that the airport had made significant progress. Weems praised the inspection results, saying, “Every airport has issues, but we have a plan and the FAA was impressed with the state of the airport.”
Weems’ background and vision
Weems arrives with a résumé that includes managing terminal construction, runway rehabilitation, regulatory compliance, and daily operations at a major international hub. He is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives, a private pilot, and a licensed aircraft dispatcher. “Coming from larger airports where you specialize, this smaller facility gives me the chance to grow alongside the community,” he said.
City support and funding
The City of Las Cruces has committed to supporting the airport’s growth, including the proposed 10 percent match for the DOT grant and the procurement of a new airline partner. A city spokesperson clarified that the previous contract with Advanced Air was tied to a City of Gallup agreement that ended in June, and the city was not involved in any post‑June extensions.
Looking ahead
Weems’ plan positions the airport as a catalyst for regional connectivity and job creation. By restoring passenger service, expanding emergency medical transport, and fostering aviation education, the airport could become a cornerstone of economic development for Las Cruces and the surrounding Doña Ana County.
For further information, contact the City of Las Cruces Airport Office or visit the airport’s website.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
