Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
(AZA) was previously a joint consortium through the City of Phoenix’s involvement in the city’s second airport. However, the city has withdrawn from this partnership more recently, leading to a new name for the airport—Mesa Gateway.
Voted to rename the airport
The airport authority board voted to rename the airport last week in a strategic shift to prepare the airport for the future. Mesa, the 36th largest city in the United States, is a busy transportation hub. Neighboring Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
(PHX) is one of the busiest in the western United States.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Now, to be known as Mesa Gateway Airport, it will align the airport perfectly as an ideal location for investment and further development. The airport released this statement:
“This name change aligns perfectly with Mesa and the East Valley’s growing reputation as a prime location for business investment and development, anchored by major employers like Amazon, ASU, Banner, Boeing, LG Energy Solution, and Northrop Grumman.”
Mesa Gateway Airport is currently an operating base for American ultra-low-cost-carrier, Allegiant Air
, which serves several destination’s year-round, and seasonally from the airport. Sun Country Airlines also operates seasonal flights to Minneapolis St. Paul.
In 2021, the airport also welcomed Avelo Airlines. However, the airline’s tenure at Mesa was short-lived, and its services only lasted at Mesa from May 3rd to August 16th.
Related
Allegiant Commences Nonstop Portland-Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Flights
The airline believes the flights will be popular among travelers.
$1.3 million in annual funding from the City of Phoenix
With the City of Phoenix withdrawing from the partnership, $1.3 million in yearly funding for airport operations will be removed. However, this only represents around 1% of the airport’s annual operating budget.
Photo: Karolis Kavolelis | Shutterstock
Mesa Gateway Airport is experiencing unprecedented growth. In June this year, a report from the airport identified 158,000 passengers passing through the airport, and so far this year, the total number of commercial passengers has surpassed 1.8 million. This will be the second-best year ever for the airport, only lagging behind 2023, which saw 1.9 million passengers in the fiscal year.
Related
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Breaks Passenger Traffic Record
Phoenix’s second airport had a busy year.
Earlier this year, the airport expanded its passenger facilities with a new 30,000-square-foot concourse, which added five gates to meet increasing demand. This is in addition to the reconstruction of one of the airport’s three runways, partly funded by a Federal Grant and will be one of the most expensive in the airport’s history.
Two years ago, a new control tower was built at the airport to support increased air traffic.
The greater Phoenix area has seen a boom in tourist numbers. 4.4 million visitors have supported over 5,600 jobs and contributed to $748.6 million in direct visitor spending.
45 direct destinations from Mesa
While Allegiant Air is the key player at Phoenix-Mesa, that airport hopes to attract new services soon. The CEO and President of Visit Mesa reiterated the airport’s vision for the future, as reported by the Mesa Tribune:
“The renaming of Mesa Gateway Airport marks an exciting new chapter in our region’s tourism story. As more travelers discover the unique experiences and tremendous value the East Valley offers, having an airport that authentically represents our identity while providing convenient access to a growing number of regional destinations sets the stage for continued tourism growth.
“This evolution reflects our unlimited potential as a vibrant destination, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience all that Mesa and our neighboring cities have to offer.”
Photo: Philip Pilosian | Shutterstock
Mesa Gateway Airport, which previously operated under the IATA code AZA, has been known as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, Williams Gateway, and Williams Air Force Base.
The airport in Mesa, Arizona, is 20 miles southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County. The airport is a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor.
