EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso International Airport (ELP) will temporarily close its Premium Reserved parking lot and the eastern portion of the Short-Term lot starting on Sunday, Oct. 5 to begin construction on the solar-covered parking project.
The closures will impact travelers through the busy holiday season this year, the City said.
This sustainability-focused project will install 2,286 solar panels, each rated at 585 watts, on newly constructed shade canopies.
Once completed, the system will generate 1.33 megawatts of renewable energy, helping offset the terminal’s energy costs while providing shaded parking for passengers, the City of El Paso said in a news release.
The total project cost is $3.8 million, of which $1.75 million is funded by a federal grant from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. Construction, projected for completion in February 2026 to meet the grant deadline, will continue through the winter holidays.
To minimize disruption, the West Lot will be expanded by approximately 100 spaces in time for Thanksgiving holiday travel, the City said.
Passengers who typically use the Premium Reserved parking lot are encouraged to use the Park Air Express lot, which offers reserved parking, daily rates, and a 24-hour courtesy shuttle to the terminal.
To ensure all travelers have access to convenient parking, the airport is prepared to activate overflow options as needed.
- Short-Term Lot: East half will remain open, ideal for hourly parking.
- Long-Term Lot: Best for daily parking; includes free 24-hour courtesy shuttle to the terminal.
- West Lot: Daily rates via mobile app; proximity to the terminal.
- Park Air Express: Reserved parking with daily rates and 24-hour courtesy shuttle service.
- Long-Term Overflow Lot: Will be activated as passenger demand increases.
- Second Long-Term Overflow Lot: An additional 440 spaces available if necessary, during peak travel periods.
For more information and updates, click here.
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