Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport

Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: AZA, ICAO: KIWA, FAA LID: IWA), formerly Williams Gateway Airport (1994–2008) and Williams Air Force Base (1948–1993), is an international airport in the southeastern area of Mesa, Arizona, 20 miles (17 nmi; 32 km) southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County.[1] The airport, owned and operated by the Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, is a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It is a base for Allegiant Air.

Not to be confused with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Falcon Field (Arizona).

Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
Owner/OperatorPhoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
ServesPhoenix metropolitan area
LocationMesa, Arizona
Operating base forAllegiant Air
Built1941
Elevation AMSL1,384 ft / 422 m
Coordinates33°18′28″N 111°39′20″W
Websitegatewayairport.com
Maps
FAA diagram
FAA diagram
AZA is located in Arizona
AZA
AZA
AZA is located in the United States
AZA
AZA
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
12C/30C 10,201 3,109 Asphalt/concrete
12L/30R 9,300 2,835 Concrete
12R/30L 10,401 3,170 Concrete
Statistics (2022)
Aircraft operations273,672 (for year ending October 31, 2021)
Based aircraft130
Passenger volume1,830,807 (2022)

The FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2007–2011 called Phoenix–Mesa Gateway a reliever airport, which is a general aviation airport used to relieve congestion at a large airline airport.[3] Allegiant Air began scheduled service from Mesa in October 2007.[4] Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport reports the airport had 1,774,763 passenger boardings in 2019. Most U.S. airports use the same three-letter location identifier for the FAA and IATA, but Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport has different codes for each. The aviation community generally uses the FAA code of IWA, while commercial passenger-flight organizations use the IATA code of AZA.[5]

History
Airport entrance showing the former name
Baggage Claim Building
Baggage-claim facility

The airport was built in 1941 as Higley Field. It was renamed Williams Field on February 24, 1942, in honor of Arizona native First Lieutenant Charles Linton Williams (1898–1927), who was killed while serving with the 19th Pursuit Squadron at Wheeler Field, Oahu, when he had to ditch his Boeing PW-9A, 26-353, in the Pacific Ocean about a mile off of Fort DeRussy. The fort was located in the then-named Territory of Hawaii (Hawaii would become a state in 1959). In 1948, Williams Field was acquired by the US military and renamed Williams Air Base. It was a flight-training field during World War II.

In 1948, Williams became the first jet training base. In 1966, it was the first site of the Undergraduate Pilot Training program.[6] The 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended closing the base, and it closed in 1993.

As the base was being shut down, growing traffic at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix was figured to warrant an alternative airport. The runway was expanded to accommodate airliners, and the facility opened in 1994 as Williams Gateway Airport. Bids were submitted by some airlines to begin flights almost immediately.

In 2004, charter airline Ryan International Airlines began MD-82 flights to Bullhead City International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona, next to Laughlin, Nevada, and many resorts. Shortly thereafter, the airport once again became a flight training center to take advantage of the area's clear weather .

On July 31, 2007, the low-cost Las Vegas–based carrier Allegiant Air announced plans to open a focus city at Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, connecting the Phoenix area to 13 cities. Service commenced on October 25, 2007, with cities being added until November 21, 2007.[4] In a September 17, 2007, press release, the Williams Gateway Airport Authority governing board approved a name change for Williams Gateway Airport effective October 15 to Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport.

On June 16, 2015, after Elite Airways announced non-stop flights from San Diego and Salt Lake City to Phoenix–Mesa, Allegiant threatened to leave the airport.[7] This was primarily due to the incentives the airport offered to Elite.[8] If Allegiant were to leave, it would consider relocating to the nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.[9][10]

On January 21, 2017, Phoenix–Mesa welcomed its first international flight and first two international destinations, as WestJet inaugurated its seasonal service to Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.[11] WestJet had seen success at Phoenix Sky Harbor for years, with Calgary and Edmonton being the first- and sixth-most popular international destinations at Sky Harbor, respectively.[12] From Mesa, WestJet flew nonstop to Calgary; its subsidiary Swoop flew nonstop to Edmonton and Winnipeg. In May 2023, it was announced that WestJet and Swoop would not return for seasonal flights for the 2023–24 season, citing low profitability. A third Canadian airline, ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines, previously announced in March 2023 that it would move its Phoenix–Canada operations to Sky Harbor in October.[13]

On May 3, 2021, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway welcomed Avelo Airlines, which is based at Hollywood Burbank Airport. The service was short-lived and the airline's final flight to/from Phoenix–Mesa was on August 16, 2021.

In 2022, a new control tower was added to help with increased air traffic to the airport.[14]

Board of directors

In 1994, the Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority was established with a three-member board with representation from the three cities immediately adjacent to the then-named Williams Field. The original governing board consisted of the mayors of the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek and the city of Mesa. Reflecting the growth of the airport, the Gila River Indian Community joined the board in 1995, with the cities of Phoenix and Apache Junction subsequently joining in 2006 and 2013.[15]

Facilities

The airport covers 3,020 acres (1,220 ha) and has three parallel paved runways:[1][16]

  • 12C/30C: 10,201 ft × 150 ft (3,109 m × 46 m), asphalt/concrete
  • 12L/30R: 9,300 ft × 150 ft (2,835 m × 46 m), concrete
  • 12R/30L: 10,401 ft × 150 ft (3,170 m × 46 m), concrete

In the year ending October 31, 2021, the airport had 273,672 aircraft operations averaging 749 per day, with 77% general aviation, 16% air taxi, 5% airline, and 2% military. In 2021, 130 aircraft were based at the airport – 66 single-engined, 16 multi-engined, 27 jet, and 21 helicopters.[1]

Airlines and destinations

Passenger
AirlinesDestinations
Allegiant Air Appleton, Billings, Bismarck, Boise, Bozeman, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Chicago/Rockford, Cincinnati, Des Moines, Eugene, Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Flint, Grand Island, Grand Junction, Grand Rapids, Houston–Hobby, Idaho Falls, Las Vegas, Missoula, Peoria, Provo, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, South Bend, Spokane, Springfield/Branson, Tri-Cities (WA), Wichita
Seasonal: Belleville/St. Louis, Bellingham, Fort Wayne, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Grand Forks, Great Falls, Medford, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minot, Moline/Quad Cities, Omaha, Portland (OR) (begins November 17, 2023),[17] St. Cloud, Toledo, Traverse City, Tulsa
Sun Country Airlines Seasonal: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Other
  • Air Evac International (Medevac airline)[18]
  • Fighter Combat International

Training

Statistics

Top destinations
Busiest domestic routes from AZA
(July 2022 - June 2023)[19]
Rank City Passengers Carriers
1 Provo, Utah 102,000 Allegiant
2 Sioux Falls, South Dakota 49,000 Allegiant
3 Fargo, North Dakota 46,000 Allegiant
4 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 32,000 Allegiant
4 Bismarck, North Dakota 32,000 Allegiant
4 Grand Rapids, Michigan 32,000 Allegiant
4 Appleton, Wisconsin 32,000 Allegiant
8 Idaho Falls, Idaho 28,000 Allegiant
9 Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota 27,000 Allegiant, Sun Country
9 Des Moines, Iowa 27,000 Allegiant

Annual traffic
Total Yearly Traffic at AZA (2001 - 2022)[20][21]
Year Passengers Year Passengers Year Passengers
200102011953,33720211,539,118
2002020121,382,07020221,830,807
2003020131,359,0322023
2004020141,240,9932024
2005020151,281,7412025
2006020161,351,8272026
2007020171,338,2162027
2008350,66120181,531,6482028
2009573,48020191,774,7632029
2010799,67420201,127,7842030

Airline market share
Top airlines at AZA
(July 2022 - June 2023)[22]
Rank Airline Passengers Market Share
1 Allegiant Airlines 1,793,000 98.22%
2 Sun Country Airlines 32,330 1.77%

Future plans

The number of passengers has increased greatly since Allegiant Air started operations. IWA/AZA did not anticipate this growth within the first year. Due to an increase from 14,588 enplanements in 2007 to 159,481 in 2008, facilities were becoming crowded. To alleviate this problem, extensive renovations and expansions were completed within the existing west side terminal, adding nearly 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2) of new space. This added eight gates since IWA/AZA was established in 1994. The airport broke ground on an expansion plan in early 2013, to increase gates to ten. However, because IWA/AZA is running out of real estate on the west side of the airfield, a halt to further expansions will occur until East terminal facilities are built.

East Side Terminal plans

In response to the expansion issues, PMGAA began planning for a new east terminal. The plan, titled Gateway 2030, was developed in June 2012.[23] The Gateway 2030 plan outlines the process, major findings, and recommendations associated with the cost feasible phasing approach to the development of approximately 700 acres (280 ha) of airport property and the supporting city infrastructure critical to ensure its success" (IWA, 2012b). The plan will be implemented in four phases. With the completion of phase one, IWA/AZA will be able to accommodate 1.5 million enplanements (3 million passengers). Much of phase one will address infrastructure for the new terminal. The addition will include access roads, parking, taxiways, aprons capable of Group III and IV aircraft, and the new 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) pier concept terminal. The new terminal will have 14 gates, constructed to make room for 12 Group III aircraft and two Group IV aircraft.

Phase two has yet to be planned in detail, but will add another pier terminal to the main concourse, adding up to six gates, parking for 10,500 vehicles, and a 1,000 feet (300 m) extension of RW 12L/30R. Phase two will enable IWA/AZA to handle 2.2 million enplanements. Phase three for the Gateway 2030 plan will add another pier terminal and second level to the main concourse and will create an additional eight gates, a new apron, more parking, and an additional taxiway.

Phase three will focus on privately owned retail, office, and hotel buildings that will be located on airport property. Phase three will allow IWA to accommodate 5 million enplanements.

Phase four will complete the 2030 plan, allowing IWA able to handle 10 million enplanements (20 million passengers) annually with a total of 60 gates and 21,000 vehicle parking spaces. Phase four will likely not be undertaken until 2030 or beyond, making cost estimates nearly impossible.

Due to the changing market, phase two, three, and four are likely to change. Gateway 2030 is estimated to cost more than $1.4 billion.

Private Development

On November 9, 2021, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation announced that the airport would be the site for the West Coast Service Center Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The construction cost would be more than $100 million and include a 225,000-square-foot (20,900 m2) facility in Phase One.

On July 14, 2022, Virgin Galactic announced it had signed a long-term lease for a new final assembly manufacturing facility for its next-generation Delta class spaceships. The facility will be capable of producing up to six spaceships per year and will bring hundreds of highly skilled aerospace engineering and manufacturing jobs to the area.

Ground transportation

By road, the airport terminal is served by Sossaman Road. Travelers can access Sossaman Road by exiting at either Hawes or Power Road, which are fed by the Arizona State Route Loop 202, and turning onto Ray Road.

There are several taxis, limousine, ride share and shuttle companies to local hotels, the nearby ASU Polytechnic Campus and downtown Mesa. Multiple car rental agencies are available inside of the arrivals lobby.[24]

Valley Metro bus route 184 stops at the terminal building before heading north to Mesa.[25]

Travelers can park at the hourly or daily parking lots and walk to the terminal. There is also an economy lot, south of the airfield, which is served by a complimentary shuttle to the main terminal.[26]

Historic landmarks
Williams Air Force Base (now part of Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport) in Mesa, Arizona
(NRHP = National Register of Historic Places)
(MHP = Mesa Historic Properties)
  • Housing Storage Supply Warehouse at Williams Air Force Base (now Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus), constructed in December 1941 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. The warehouse is significant for its association with the construction of Williams Air Force Base on the land on which Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and the Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus are now located. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995. Reference 95000746.
    Housing Storage Supply Warehouse at Williams Air Force Base (now Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus), constructed in December 1941 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. The warehouse is significant for its association with the construction of Williams Air Force Base on the land on which Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and the Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus are now located. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995. Reference 95000746.
  • Water Tower at Williams Air Force Base (now Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus). The water tower was constructed in the winter of 1941–1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. It was part of the historical Williams Air Force Base on the land on which Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and the Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus are now located. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995. Reference 95000745.
    Water Tower at Williams Air Force Base (now Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus). The water tower was constructed in the winter of 1941–1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. It was part of the historical Williams Air Force Base on the land on which Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and the Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus are now located. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995. Reference 95000745.
  • The Base Flagpole, built in December 1941, is significant for its symbolic and traditional association with the origins and history of Williams Air Force Base (now Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport). The pole was erected by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995 Reference 95000744.
    The Base Flagpole, built in December 1941, is significant for its symbolic and traditional association with the origins and history of Williams Air Force Base (now Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport). The pole was erected by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995 Reference 95000744.
  • Marker of the historic flagpole
    Marker of the historic flagpole
  • Demountable Hangar, located at the North Apron, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (formerly Williams AFB). Built in 1942 and designed by the Del E. Webb Construction Company to resemble an enlisted aviator badge of the Army Air Force. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, ref. #95000743.
    Demountable Hangar, located at the North Apron, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (formerly Williams AFB). Built in 1942 and designed by the Del E. Webb Construction Company to resemble an enlisted aviator badge of the Army Air Force. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, ref. #95000743.
  • Ammo Bunker (S-1007), SW of Vosler Dr. (formerly Alaska Dr.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (formerly Williams AFB). Built in 1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places ref: 95000748.
    Ammo Bunker (S-1007), SW of Vosler Dr. (formerly Alaska Dr.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (formerly Williams AFB). Built in 1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places ref: 95000748.
  • Ammo Bunker (S-1008), SW of Vosler Dr. (formerly Alaska Dr.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (formerly Williams AFB). Built in 1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places ref: 95000759.
    Ammo Bunker (S-1008), SW of Vosler Dr. (formerly Alaska Dr.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (formerly Williams AFB). Built in 1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places ref: 95000759.
  • Civil Engineering Maintenance Shop, also known as S-735, located on Unity Ave. (Jct. of 11th and A Sts.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (formerly Williams AFB). Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, ref: #95000747.
    Civil Engineering Maintenance Shop, also known as S-735, located on Unity Ave. (Jct. of 11th and A Sts.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (formerly Williams AFB). Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, ref: #95000747.

See also

References
  1. FAA Airport Form 5010 for IWA PDF effective January 27, 2022, AirportIQ 5010, GCR Inc.
  2. "Airport Passenger Traffic-Tourism AZ". Airport Passenger Traffic. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  3. National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems: 2007–2011, FAA, October 6, 2006
  4. "Allegiant Air announces new base in Phoenix–Mesa", Press release, Allegiant Air, July 31, 2007, archived from the original on October 12, 2007
  5. Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Media Guide (PDF), Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, April 1, 2011
  6. "The Southeast Valley Insider", The Arizona Republic, March 30, 2006
  7. "Allegiant Airlines threatens to leave Mesa Gateway Airport - ABC15 Arizona". Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
  8. "Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport May Get Dumped By Allegiant Air". KJZZ. June 16, 2015.
  9. "Report". bizjournals.com.
  10. "Allegiant Air may depart Gateway airport for Sky Harbor". washingtontimes.com.
  11. "Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to welcome first international flight". January 19, 2017.
  12. "U.S. International Air Passenger and Freight Statistics Report". August 13, 2012.
  13. Michael Salerno (May 24, 2023). "This Arizona airport is losing some international flights. What travelers should know". Arizona Republic.
  14. Estes, Christina. "Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport names control tower after John McCain III". KJZZ. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  15. "Airport Authority Approves City of Apache Junction Membership". By Brian Sexton(Primary). Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. July 29, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  16. "IWA airport data at skyvector.com". skyvector.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  17. "Allegiant offers new flights starting in November 2023". FOX4Now.
  18. "Arizona Air Ambulance & Medical Transport". AirEvac International. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  19. Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix – Mesa Gateway (AZA) Scheduled Services except Freight/Mail, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, United States Department of Transportation, May 2021, retrieved September 23, 2023
  20. "Airport Statistics". Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  21. "Airport Passenger Traffic". Airport Passenger Traffic. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  22. "RITA | BTS | Transtats". Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  23. "Gateway 2030: A Vision for the Northeast Area Development" (PDF), Press release, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, June 30, 2012, archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2012
  24. "Transportation – Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport". www.gatewayairport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  25. "184 Power Rd | Valley Metro". www.valleymetro.org. November 14, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  26. "Parking – Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport". www.gatewayairport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
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