El Paso approves US$316 million plan for airport improvements
The El Paso City Council approved the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for El Paso International Airport (EPIA), a US$316 million investment program aimed at strengthening airport infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the passenger experience.
The five-year plan allocates more than US$160 million to safety and efficiency projects at the airport, US$77 million to terminal improvements, including lighting, roofing, accessibility, signage, and bathroom renovations, and US$78 million to non-aviation developments aimed at diversifying revenue streams.
Funding comes from various local and federal sources, including US$131 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through airport improvement programs and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, US$100 million from the Airport Enterprise Initiative, and US$27 million in grants from the Department of Energy, the Economic Development Administration, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Additional contributions come from passenger and customer facility charges, as well as Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 14.
Key projects include pavement reconstruction, taxiway realignment, and ramp rehabilitation to increase safety and operational efficiency at the airfield; terminal modernization with infrastructure and accessibility improvements, including signage and restrooms; and the implementation of sustainability initiatives such as solar-covered parking, electric transportation vehicles, and a new Airport Sustainability Master Plan. In addition, a 250-acre campus will be developed for the Advanced Manufacturing District, funded by Build Back Better, focused on the aerospace and manufacturing industries.
EPIA serves approximately 4 million passengers annually and functions as a key hub for domestic and international travel, air cargo, and regional business development. With this plan, the airport seeks to maintain its competitiveness and take advantage of new financing opportunities through projects ready for implementation.
