Mesa Gateway Airport, formerly known as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, has undergone a significant rebranding following the City of Phoenix’s withdrawal from its partnership in managing the airport. The airport is now officially named Mesa Gateway Airport.
This renaming reflects a strategic shift aimed at preparing the airport for future growth and development, aligning with the expanding reputation of Mesa and the East Valley as prime locations for business investment. Key employers such as Amazon, Arizona State University (ASU), Banner Health, Boeing, LG Energy Solution, and Northrop Grumman anchor this growth, making the name change a fitting reflection of the region’s evolving identity.
Mesa is the 36th largest city in the United States and serves as a bustling transportation hub, with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) just 20 miles away. The name change to Mesa Gateway is part of a broader effort to position the airport for continued investment and development, further supporting its growing role in the region’s economy.
Airport Operations and Growth
Mesa Gateway Airport is a key base for Allegiant Air, which operates year-round and seasonal flights to various destinations. Sun Country Airlines also offers seasonal services to Minneapolis-St. Paul. The airport briefly hosted Avelo Airlines in 2021, though the airline’s operations were short-lived, running from May to August.
The airport has seen tremendous growth in recent years. In June 2023, it reported 158,000 passengers, bringing the total number of commercial passengers for the year to over 1.8 million, making it the second-best year on record for the airport, following the 1.9 million passengers recorded in 2022.
This surge in passenger numbers is further supported by the addition of a new 30,000-square-foot concourse, which includes five additional gates. The airport has also seen infrastructure improvements, including the reconstruction of one of its runways, which received partial funding from a federal grant.
A new control tower was constructed two years ago to accommodate the growing air traffic at the airport, further enhancing its ability to serve the increasing number of travelers.
Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
The greater Phoenix area has experienced a tourism boom, with 4.4 million visitors contributing to over 5,600 jobs and generating $748.6 million in direct visitor spending. Mesa Gateway Airport plays a key role in supporting this tourism growth, as the airport serves as a reliever for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Visit Mesa, the region’s tourism organization, has expressed excitement about the airport’s future prospects. The CEO and President of Visit Mesa highlighted that the renaming of Mesa Gateway Airport marks an exciting new chapter in the region’s tourism development. With the airport now better representing the area’s identity, it is poised to attract more travelers and regional destinations, which will, in turn, fuel the ongoing tourism growth in Mesa and the surrounding cities.
Financial and Operational Changes
Following the City of Phoenix’s exit from the partnership, the airport will lose $1.3 million in annual funding for operations, which represents about 1% of the airport’s total operating budget. Despite this, Mesa Gateway Airport has shown impressive growth and is well-positioned to continue expanding, with ongoing investments and infrastructure improvements.
Historical Background
Mesa Gateway Airport, which was once known as Williams Gateway and Williams Air Force Base, has a rich history. It is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, southeast of Phoenix, and serves as a reliever airport for the busy Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The airport’s history and its new direction make it an exciting prospect for both business development and tourism growth in the region.
With its renewed focus and strategic investments, Mesa Gateway Airport is preparing for an exciting future, contributing to the continued growth of the East Valley region.