El Paso Airport’s Shops, Restaurants Expanding

If you’ve traveled recently, you may have noticed some new shops and restaurants as you’re boarding your flight.

The airport’s terminal project is wrapping up this summer, completing its goal of bringing local flavors right to the customer.

Travelers at El Paso’s International Airport not only have more variety now, but also convenience.

“Our customers wanted service that was close to the gate,” said El Paso Airport Spokeswoman, Liz Perez Bellgarde.

And that’s what they got.

With many more local restaurants and shops now in the terminals.

“It just make the overall experience much better,” said traveler, Donnie Brainard.

The three-year project cost about $15 million and it’s already considered a financial success.

“This past year, our news and gift shop and food and beverage generated $10.9 million,” Bellgarde said.

Bellgarde said that money helped to balance this year’s budget, at a time when the airline industry has been suffering, “What helps us are these additional revenues.”

Strict TSA regulations, such as having to be at the airport two hours before takeoff and long security lines have forced airports across the country to change their layouts.

“As you come upstairs, you see that within the gates, right next to the gates you’ve got food, you’ve got shopping,” Bellgarde said.

Offering travelers some peace of mind.

“I don’t feel the stress of missing when the gate opens,” said Brainard, “If you get to the gate early and you’ve got some time then you can sit down enjoy a meal, instead of just having to sit there. It’s nice it’s convenient.”