El Paso Airport Guide

Table of Contents

El Paso International Airport, IACO identifier KELP, resides within class C airspace four miles Northeast of El Paso, Texas. It features three runways and 15 commercial airline gates. It welcomes flights from major airline carriers and general and commercial airline operations. With multiple FBOs on the field, it is an excellent choice for those wishing to fly into the El Paso area.

Bottom Line Up Front

El Paso International Airport is a relatively small airport that caters to commercial and general aviation operations. While fuel prices and lackluster customer service from FBOs may dissuade general aviation pilots from choosing the field, it is a relatively good option for commercial airline passengers.

The terminal for airline passengers is consistently reviewed as clean and easy to navigate. If you are flying cross-country through the area, general aviation pilots may choose a neighboring airport in order to avoid high fuel and service prices.

Quick Tips for Pilots Flying Into KELP

El Paso International Airport offers a live runway camera feed for those interested in watching aircraft arrive and depart. The live camera feed can be accessed through the El Paso Airport’s runway live feed tab.
Atlantic Aviation and Million Air El Paso FBOs both operate on the field and provide full service to arriving aircraft. They also have car rental options, should the need arise.
Flight training is offered on the field through Joe’s Flight School and Aviation Services.
El Paso Aero and Avionics Associates are located on the field for maintenance repairs.
An AOPA network flying club is located at KELP, Angel’s Wings El Paso, which has one aircraft.

Quick Tips for Pilots Flying into El Paso International Airport

El Paso International Airport services flights from the following airlines:
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
El Paso International Airport offers free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the terminal for travelers’ convenience. The charging stations can be found on the desks located at each gate.
There is a pet relief area outside the terminal. It is located across from the ticking counters and east of the short-term parking area. Once inside the terminal, pets must remain inside their kennels unless they are certified service animals.
A cell phone lot is available for those picking up travelers from El Paso International Airport. The cell phone lot is located at the intersection of American drive and Piper court South of the terminal. Drivers should note that vehicles must be occupied at all times, and cars cannot be abandoned in the lot.
There are three convenience stores located within the terminal of El Paso International Airport. They are:
- Sun City News is located near gate B3.
- Plaza News can be found near the security escalators.
- El Paso Marketplace is located near gate A1.

El Paso International Airport Basic Information

ICAO Identifier: KELP

Latitude/ Longitude: 31° 48′ 26.4″ N, 106° 22′ 34.9″ W

Location: El Paso International Airport is located four miles Northeast of El Paso, Texas.

Runways:

04/22:

12,020 x 150 feet.
Asphalt, concrete, grooved
In Fair Condition

LOC/DME (04), ILS/DME (22)

08R/26L:

9,025 x 150 feet.
Asphalt, concrete, grooved
In Fair Condition

08L/26R:

5,499 x 75 feet.
Concrete, grooved
In good condition
Elevation: 3,962 feet (surveyed)
Control Tower Hours: 24-Hour Control Tower
Beacon: White-Green sunset to sunrise
Fees: Service fees are dependent upon the FBO chosen.
Time zone: Mountain, MDT (UTC -0600)
Customs: Airport of entry with international landing rights. US Customs user fee.
Fuel available on the field: The field offers Jet-A, Jet-A Premix/Prist, and 100 Low Lead
ARTCC: Albuquerque (ZAB)
FSS: Albuquerque (ABQ)
ATIS: 120.0
ASOS: 915-774-9497
El Paso Clearance Delivery: 125.0
El Paso Ground: 121.9
El Paso Tower: 118.3
El Paso Approach: 119.15/ 124.25
El Paso Departure: 119.15
El Paso UNICOM: 122.95

El Paso International Airport Aircraft Statistics

Statistics for the aircraft based on field:

Singe engine- 174 aircraft
Multi-engine- 27 aircraft
Jet- 5 aircraft
Helicopters- 8 aircraft
Gliders- 1 aircraft

Statistics regarding aircraft operations on the field. They are collected within a 12-month period by day as of June 2021. The statistics are gleaned from AirNav.com:

228 average flights/day
34 % commercial
19% air taxi
28% transient general aviation
7% local general aviation
12 % military

Top Picks for Alternate Airports Near KELP

When flying cross country, it is ideal to have alternate airports picked out before departure. The following alternate airport recommendations are airports with instrument procedures near KELP:

Dona Ana County International Jetport Airport (KDNA) is located 17 nm West.
Las Cruces International Airport (KLRU) is located 40 nm Northwest.
Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (KALM) is located 65 nm North.

Pilot Reviews about KELP

Overall, the pilot reviews for KELP are not favorable, especially by general aviation pilots. The issues stem primarily from high fuel prices and interactions with various FBOs on the field. Read below to get an account of first-hand experiences from reviews on AirNav.com.

Albert M. says:

“Unfortunately, I am based here. However, I must buy the fuel from the self-service pump, which is always more expensive than most full service elsewhere. Sometimes the pump does not work, and they will send a fuel truck, but they will honor the self-serve price. The people from Atlantic Aviation have always been very nice and friendly.”

Steven R. states:

“This airport seems “FBO Challenged.” Fees, pricey gas… Best to fly elsewhere for gas on your cross-country.”

Leonard G. states:

“If you want FAIR Bang for the buck, DO NOT STOP HERE! With Landing and Security fees. My fuel bill was cheaper than the extra fees.”

Frank B. states:

“Great Airport, Controllers are great. I Have been there four times this year in 2013 and always stayed with Cutter Aviation but not anymore. Ask for fuel and 50.0 gals. in a Cessna Skylane with G1000, that says you should have gotten only 31.0 gals. Hobbs’s time is 2.5 hours since the last top-off. I have never used that much fuel flying for that long. I flew out back to home base and top it off with 31.0 gals very upset with how I was treated. Lesson, always stand there when they fuel your airplane. Lesson learn.”

Commercial Passenger Reviews of El Paso International Airport

In contrast to general aviation pilot experiences, the commercial passenger experience is much more positive. Passengers often laud the cleanliness and kindness of airport staff on google reviews like these:

Charles says:

“Small International Airport. I’ve never had any issues at El Paso International. The staff has always been friendly and professional. Of course, on occasion, you can get the odd person. Just like all airports, pickup and drop-off at the terminal can be hectic but compared to much larger airports, it is a small inconvenience. Overall, a nice, clean, and pleasant airport.”

Marissa MV. states:

“It is an International Airport but small, just two areas, A and B, you can just walk or take the free shuttle to your door. There are a couple of options to take a quick bite or a coffee before your flight. Not all restaurants are open. There is a big playground for the kids on the B side that is already open, they just have to use their masks all the time. The checkpoint was running fast and smoothly even though many people were in line. Just be aware of the TSA rules, and you won’t have any delay.”

Gertrud Konings has stated:

“The airport is nice and clean inside. What I hate is the parking opportunity for short-term parkers! This area is always completely full of long-term parkers, and you always have to walk a long distance to or from the parking spot if you are lucky to secure one. Really not nice for old folks who would like to spend a little more time with their out-of-town family members when they visit.”

Top Picks for El Paso Attractions

El Paso Indoor Skydiving Experience by IFly

Located at: 430 Vin Rambla, El Paso, TX 79912.

IFly offers an adrenaline rush through an indoor skydiving experience. This is an excellent excursion for families.

UTV Adventures with Rent a UTV

Located at: 15698 Montana Ave. El Paso, TX 79938.

Rent a UTV offers off-road guided tours of the Red Sands area of El Paso. Tours typically last one and a half hours.

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

Located at: 6900 Hueco Tanks Rd, El Paso, TX 79938.

This historic park features the natural beauty of the El Paso landscape. Visitors can rock climb, hike, bike, and picnic at this nature park. The park offers guided and self-guided tours to explore the park and its historic ranch house.

El Paso Mission Trail

Located at: 9065 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 79907.

Featuring two mission churches, Ysleta and Socorro, this historic site highlights the El Paso Mission Trail. Guests can also view the presidio chapel of San Elizario at this location. The El Paso Mission Trail portrays the rich history of Catholicism in Spain, Mexico, and the United States.

El Paso Museum of Archaeology

Located at: 4301 Transmountain Road, El Paso, TX 79924.

This museum is free to enjoy and offers exhibits highlighting the art of archeological and anthropological studies. It provides guests with multiple exhibits as well as educational programs about the culture and history of El Paso and the surrounding area.

Three Missions Brewery

Located at: 10179 Socorro Rd, El Paso, TX 79927.

This active brewery creates craft beer for the El Paso, TX community. Be sure to try their Churro Stout.

Top Hotel Picks Near El Paso International Airport

Multiple hotels are available within a short distance from El Paso International Airport. They are:

Best Western El Paso Airport

Best budget choice.

0.3 miles from the airport.

Located at 2001 Airway Blvd. El Paso, TX 79925.

Chase Suite Hotel

Best pick for long stays.

1.0 miles from the airport.

Located at 6791 Montana Ave El Paso, TX 79925.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

Best pick for business trips.

0.9 Miles from the airport

Located at 6789 Boeing Dr. El Paso, TX 79925.

The Wyndham El Paso Airport and Water Park

Best pick for families as it has water slides for kids!

0.3 miles from the airport.

Located at 2027 Airway Blvd. El Paso, TX 79925.

Marriott El Paso

Best pick for a hotel with a bar on site.

1.5 miles from the airport.

Located at 1600 Airway Blvd El Paso, TX 79925.

Radisson Hotel El Paso Airport

Best pick for an eco-certified stay.

0.6 Miles from the airport

Located at 1770 Airway Blvd. El Paso, TX 79925.

Top Car Rental Company Picks for El Paso International Airport

El Paso International Airport offers car rentals from nine different car rental companies. They are as follows:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
National
Payless
Thrifty
Enterprise
Dollar
Hertz

Best Food and Drink Options When Traveling through El Paso International Airport

El Paso International Airport offers a few food and drink options throughout the main terminal. They include:

Carlos and Mickey’s- Mexican Food
Starbucks- Coffee
Home Team Sports- American Food
PGA Tour Grill- American Food
Schlotzsky’s with Cinnabon- Sandwiches

FAQ’s

Question: Does El Paso International Airport have long-term parking?

Answer: Yes, long-term parking is offered at El Paso International Airport through two different lots, which are located off American drive next to th

Question: Can I track flights leaving El Paso International Airport?

Answer: Yes, flights leaving El Paso International Airport can be tracked through El Paso International Airport’s Flight Tracker webpage. This can be done by flight number, airline, or by the route.

Question: Where is El Paso International Airport?

Answer: El Paso International Airport is located at 6701 Convair Road in El Paso, TX, 79925.

Question: Where can I find a map of El Paso International Airport?

Answer: A map of the terminal layout of El Paso International Airport can be found on the airport’s website under the Shop/Eat/

Get a Bird’s Eye View of El Paso When Arriving at KELP

Flying into El Paso International Airport offers a birds-eye view of the historic city. It is an excellent choice of an airport if you are planning a visit to the El Paso, Texas, area.

While commercial passengers find the airport excellent and above average in cleanliness and friendly staff, those pilots flying their own aircraft into the area may wish to consider other airports in the area. This is due to historically higher gas and service fees on the field. If you are planning to fly into El Paso with your own aircraft, consider fueling up at one of the other airports nearby.

Further Aviation Reading Opportunities

Kendra Gerken

Kendra obtained her Private Pilot Certificate in 2014 and followed that certificate with an instrument rating. After many flight hours in various single-engine aircraft, she obtained her Remote Pilot certificate. She now uses her knowledge of various aircraft within the aviation industry to fuel her writing here at Aviator Insider!