Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport

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

Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Logo November 2017.png
IWA PHOENIX MESA GATEWAY AIRPORT FROM FLIGHT TUS-LAS 737 N748SW (10463774723) (2).jpg
Summary
Airport typePublic
Owner/OperatorPhoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
ServesPhoenix metropolitan area
LocationMesa, Arizona
Focus city for
Built1941
Elevation AMSL1,384 ft / 422 m
Coordinates33°18′28″N 111°39′20″W / 33.30778°N 111.65556°W / 33.30778; -111.65556
WebsiteGatewayAirport.com
Maps
FAA diagram
FAA diagram
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 (2019)
Aircraft operations (2018)288,921
Based aircraft (2018)126
Passenger volume (2019)1,774,763

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. The airport authority is governed by a six-member board - the mayors of the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek, the mayors of the cities of Mesa, Phoenix, and Apache Junction, and the tribal governor of the Gila River Indian Community.[2]

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, Territory of Hawaii. In 1948, Williams Field was acquired by the United States 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 determined to demand 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. In recent years, the airport again became a center of flight training. Flight schools take advantage of the clear weather in the Phoenix valley.

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 press release on September 17, 2007, the Williams Gateway Airport Authority governing board approved a name change for Williams Gateway Airport effective October 15, 2007, 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 is offering 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]

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

Board of directors[]

In 1994, the Williams Gateway Airport Authority was established with a three-member board with representation from the three cities immediately adjacent to Williams Field. The original governing board consisted of the mayors of the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek and the city of Mesa, who continue as members today.

In later years, the Gila River Indian Community and the city of Phoenix joined the Williams Gateway Airport Authority board (now Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority). Gila River Indian Community joined in 1995 and the City of Phoenix joined in 2006. The city of Apache Junction joined in 2013. A six-member airport board of directors is composed of elected officials from neighboring cities and a tribal government. Authority communities are:

Facilities[]

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

  • 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 December 31, 2018, the airport had 288,921 aircraft operations averaging 791 per day, with 78% general aviation, 16% air taxi, 4% airline, and 2% military. In 2018, 126 aircraft were based at the airport - 87 single-engined, 20 multi-engined, 18 jet, and one helicopter.[1]

Airlines and destinations[]

Passenger[]

Allegiant Air McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Allegiant Air aircraft in Blue Man Group livery
AirlinesDestinations
Allegiant Air Appleton, Amarillo (begins November 18, 2021),[13] Belleville/St. Louis, Bellingham, Billings, Bismarck, Boise, Bozeman, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Chicago/Rockford, Cincinnati, Des Moines, Eugene, Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Flint (begins November 18, 2021),[13] Fort Wayne, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Grand Forks, Grand Island, Grand Junction, Grand Rapids, Great Falls, Houston–Hobby, Idaho Falls, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St. Paul, (begins November 24, 2021)[14] Minot, Missoula, Moline/Quad Cities, Oakland, Ogden, Omaha, Orange County (begins November 19, 2021),[13] Peoria, Pittsburgh,[15] Provo, Rapid City, Redmond/Bend, Santa Maria, Sioux Falls, South Bend, Springfield/Branson, Springfield (IL) (begins November 18, 2021),[13] St. Cloud, Spokane (begins November 22, 2021),[13] Stockton, Traverse City, Tri-Cities (WA), Tulsa (begins November 18, 2021),[13] Wichita
Seasonal: Jackson Hole, Medford, Memphis, San Diego
Flair Airlines Seasonal: Calgary (begins December 15, 2021),[16] Edmonton (begins December 17, 2021),[17] Toronto–Pearson (begins October 31, 2021),[16] Vancouver (begins November 1, 2021)[16]
Sun Country Airlines Seasonal: Minneapolis/St. Paul (begins November 24, 2021)[18]
Swoop Seasonal: Edmonton, Toronto–Pearson (begins November 2, 2021),[19] Winnipeg
WestJet Seasonal: Calgary

Other[]

  • Air Evac (Medevac airline)
  • Fighter Combat International

Training[]

Statistics[]

Top destinations[]

Busiest domestic routes from AZA
(June 2020 – May 2021)[20]
Rank City Passengers Carriers
1 Provo, Utah 67,550 Allegiant
2 Fargo, North Dakota 28,940 Allegiant
3 Sioux Falls, South Dakota 24,590 Allegiant
4 Grand Rapids, Michigan 21,660 Allegiant
5 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 18,980 Allegiant
6 Idaho Falls, Idaho 18,620 Allegiant
7 Peoria, Illinois 18,320 Allegiant
8 Rapid City, South Dakota 18,210 Allegiant
9 Bismarck, North Dakota 17,660 Allegiant
10 Cincinnati, Ohio 17,170 Allegiant

Annual traffic[]

Annual passenger traffic (enplaned + deplaned) at AZA, 2001 through 2020[21]
Year Passengers Year Passengers
2001 000,000 2011 953,337
2002 000,000 2012 1,382,070
2003 000,000 2013 1,359,032
2004 000,000 2014 1,240,993
2005 000,000 2015 1,281,741
2006 000,000 2016 1,351,827
2007 000,000 2017 1,338,216
2008 350,661 2018 1,531,648
2009 573,480 2019 1,774,763
2010 799,674 2020 1,127,784

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.[22] 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 4 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.

Ground transportation[]

By road, the airport terminal is served by Sossaman Road. Travelers can access Sossaman Road by exiting at either Hawes and 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 access local hotels, Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus and Mesa Downtown area. Multiple car rental agencies are available inside of the arrival's lobby.[23]

Valley Metro bus route 184 stops at the terminal building before heading north to Mesa.[24]

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.[25]

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. ^ Jump up to: a b c d FAA Airport Form 5010 for IWA PDF effective August 17, 2017, AirportIQ 5010, GCR Inc.
  2. ^ "Airport Authority Approves City of Apache Junction Membership". By Brian Sexton(Primary). Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. July 29, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  3. ^ National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems: 2007–2011, FAA, October 6, 2006
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b "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. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  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. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f "Allegiant Announces Major Service Expansion With 22 New Nonstop Routes | Allegiant Travel Company". ir.allegiantair.com. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  14. ^ Yeager, Melissa (August 10, 2021). "Allegiant is adding 7 new routes from Arizona. Here's where and when travelers can go". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  15. ^ "Allegiant Announces Six New Nonstop Routes To Make Sunny Summer And Fall Vacation Dreams Come True | Allegiant Travel Company". ir.allegiantair.com. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b c Ltd, Flair Airlines (July 8, 2021). "Flair Airlines Continues Impressive Growth With Flights to the U.S, Bringing Ultra-Low Fares to Sun Destinations". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  17. ^ "Flair Airlines Establishes Edmonton Base and Adds 4 New US Destinations". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  18. ^ https://ir.suncountry.com/static-files/5ffc4f7f-7300-468b-a12c-3fc7e9ab0d3f
  19. ^ Yeager, Melissa. "Swoop is relaunching budget flights from Arizona to Canada: What that means for travelers". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved August 30, 2021.
  20. ^ 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 August 27, 2021
  21. ^ "Airport Statistics". Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  22. ^ "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
  23. ^ "Transportation - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport". www.gatewayairport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  24. ^ "184 Power Rd | Valley Metro". www.valleymetro.org. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  25. ^ "Parking - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport". www.gatewayairport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.

External links[]

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