Taos, N.M. – On Oct. 29, Taos Regional Airport celebrated the opening of a brand‑new $16.2 million terminal, a project that promises to expand travel options and strengthen the local economy ahead of the winter tourism season.
Modern amenities for passengers and pilots
The 7,325‑square‑foot building includes a spacious passenger lounge with an outdoor patio, a dedicated pilot lounge, baggage handling areas, restrooms, a central service counter, airport management offices, storage and mechanical support spaces, and a conference room for community events.
Broad community support and funding
Mayor Dan Barrone emphasized the need for growth, saying, “We need economic development in our community. A community that doesn’t grow dies.” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, town councilors, county officials, Taos Ski Valley representatives and airport staff attended the ribbon‑cutting.
The terminal’s $16.2 million price tag was covered by a mix of public funds: $5.4 million in state capital outlay from Governor Grisham, $2 million in legislative capital outlay, $2.5 million from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, a $2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration matched by $500,000 from the Town of Taos, an additional $2 million from the town itself, and a $1.7 million state appropriation from the New Mexico Economic Development Department awarded in 2022.
A separate $1.375 million in state capital outlay was allocated to rehabilitate the airport’s parking lot.
Capacity jump from 30 to 120 passengers
According to Raymond Rodriguez, operations manager for Taos Aviation Services, the old 700‑square‑foot terminal could hold roughly 30 people and had outdoor restrooms. The new terminal can comfortably accommodate 120 passengers, allowing two flights to operate simultaneously.
“We need the room,” Rodriguez said. “We can have two flights at the same time. We could have 120 people in here.” The expanded space also lets staff separate passengers boarding Contour and JSX flights that depart together.
Winter service and future growth
Starting Dec. 14, Contour Airlines and JSX will offer winter flights to Austin, Dallas, Carlsbad and Denver. The airport already provides seasonal service to Denver during the fall.
Airport manager Colton Rapstine reported an 85 percent load factor for the summer, noting that the airline seats were nearly full. He added that establishing on‑site TSA screening is a top priority, which would enable larger aircraft and smoother connections for passengers traveling through Denver.
Grant support sustains rural routes
The Rural Air Service Enhancement (RASE) grant program, administered by NMDOT Aviation, helps offset operating costs for airlines serving small communities. This year, Contour and JSX received over $5 million in grant funds, matched by a 10 percent contribution from the Town of Taos.
“We got over $5 million this year, then we’ll go back out next summer for another grant,” Rapstine said. “That’s what we base our destinations, the costs and everything on.”
Local leaders praise the project
John Kelly, CEO of Taos Ski Valley, highlighted the airport’s importance for year‑round tourism, while Town Councilor Tetsuro Namba noted that the new terminal makes travel to California, Denver and other destinations easier for residents who previously drove to Albuquerque or Santa Fe.
“It’s an investment in our quality of life, our local economy and our ability to connect with the rest of the world,” Rapstine concluded, thanking Governor Grisham, NMDOT, the town, contractors and Taos Pueblo for their partnership.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
