By Marie C. Peinado
LAREDO-Cleared for take-off was the definite mood set for the dedication of the new Laredo International Airport terminal opening on Saturday, June 27. The stunning new passenger terminal is certainly ready for passenger service! A jewel in the streets of Laredo, indeed!
The building was designed to resemble a section of an air foil or aircraft wing, a graceful sweep of the roof line. The wing forms the portico, under which vehicles can drop off departing passengers and pick up arriving passengers; all shielded from the elements. Earth colors abound-Terra cotta, tans, browns, yellows, with blazes of deep blues. Plenty of passive lighting with “walls of windows” doing their job. Spacious entryways move visitors through automatic sliding glass doors to the “Sala de las Banderas” so named for the depictions of Laredo’s seven flags inlaid in the terrazo floor. This airport has everything, cosmetically compact and well planned.
There are ample airline counters on the main floor, as well as dining areas. At the center of the big hall is the stainless steel escalator which rises to the departure lounge on the upper floor, and offers a panoramic view of airport activities. The second floor also holds a small newsstand and the most exquisite airport gift shop I have ever encountered in my travels. Charlotte Bergfeld and I graced that gift shop by being their “first” customers. Photographed and all … another sacrifice for TxDOT; and we are hoping or anticipating that the owner will frame Charlotte’s check for posterity! As you can see, we enjoyed our trip!
Most impressive is the outside entry to the passenger terminal which features seven tall flag poles. Each pole flies the flag of one of the nations under which the City of Laredo has served: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of the Rio Grande, Republic of Texas, the Confederacy and the United States of America. Truly, a preservation of Laredo’s history greets you through their flags as you arrive at their airport.
Among the many dignitaries at the ribbon cutting ceremony were guest speakers, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Laredo Airport Advisory Board Chairman, Jorge L Trevino. Delivering the welcoming remarks was Laredo Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores. We congratulate Laredo International Airport Manager Jose Luis Flores on his achievement-new passenger terminal-at this airport and its portents for the future-regional economic growth and expanding international trade. Amid, the music and cake, flag formations and rituals, stands majestically a “great economic opportunity” for the City of Laredo.