The Albuquerque International Sunport has taken a step forward in expanding its economic role by activating its rail spur and securing New Mexico Transloading, LLC as its first client. The move is part of Mayor Keller’s plan to utilize the rail infrastructure acquired from the federal government in 2022.
New Mexico Transloading has invested about $1.4 million to restore the northern section of the rail line, which extends from Broadway Blvd. to Rio Bravo Blvd. This investment allows for increased storage and handling capacity for rail cars, with per-car fees expected to start contributing to the airport's enterprise fund in early 2026.
“This investment sets the foundation for growth that will strengthen Albuquerque’s economy for decades to come,” said Mayor Keller. “With the opening of this first segment of track, we can immediately bring positive impact to local businesses.”
In September 2025, nearly 400 additional acres were acquired, bringing the Sunport’s undeveloped land holdings close to 1,000 acres dedicated to future economic development. These acquisitions have been made without using local tax dollars.
“The public-private partnership that has been formed with New Mexico Transloading is a perfect symbiotic relationship for the continued business and economic growth of our city and state,” said NMT Director of Business Development Brian Connell. “We’re glad for the chance to provide our established customers more opportunities to ship and receive interstate and international commodities.”
Work continues on assessing further rehabilitation needs along the rest of the spur, which holds historical significance due to its origins serving Sandia National Laboratory during World War II as part of projects linked with atomic research. The spur was transferred through various federal entities before being put up for auction in 2021 and subsequently purchased by Sunport.
“By bringing rail, air service, and foreign trade zone benefits together in one location, we’re creating a powerful hub for business,” said Economic Development Director Max Gruner. “This partnership with New Mexico Transloading will help attract new companies, support local jobs, and strengthen Albuquerque’s economy.”
The rail spur begins at Broadway on the main line and curves around I-25 along Sunport property’s southern edge. This setup is intended to appeal particularly to large-scale industrial users as well as sectors like research, applied sciences, media, and entertainment.
The activation supports Sunport's strategy as an enterprise fund—broadening income sources beyond traditional aviation activities without tapping into general municipal funds.
“No other site in New Mexico has the right geography, infrastructure, and proximity to airfield operations to support an integrated multimodal system like the one we envision,” said Aviation Acting Director Manny Manriquez. “This is a true regional economic development to realize our unfolding vision for logistics and related land-side developments to transform the Sunport into an even larger economic engine for the region.”
