Mesa Airport: Efficient Travel Through Multiple Gates

Mesa Gateway Airport, also known as Phoenix–Mesa Airport, is an international airport in southeastern Mesa, Arizona. The airport currently has 10 gates, but recently expanded to include 5 more, bringing the total to 15. The airport offers convenient access to the Loop 202 Santan and US 60 freeways, making travel easy for those heading to the Greater Phoenix area. With over 40 nonstop destinations, the airport is rapidly growing and serves nearly 2 million passengers annually.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has 10 gates

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport currently has 10 gates, but this number is set to increase as the airport undergoes a period of expansion. With a growing number of passengers and new airlines joining the airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway is taking steps to ensure it can meet demand.

The airport, located in southeastern Mesa, Arizona, is around 20 miles from Phoenix and is a popular option for travellers, with nearly 2 million passengers passing through each year. It is a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and offers convenient access to the Loop 202 Santan and US 60 freeways.

In 2024, the airport announced a $25 million expansion plan to add five more gates, as well as a concessions area and a retail space. The airport remained operational during the construction, which aimed to be completed by February 2024. This expansion is part of the airport's efforts to modernise its facilities, with features such as a glass walkway and contemporary architecture.

Prior to this expansion, the airport had already undergone significant growth. In 2013, the airport broke ground on an expansion plan, adding five new gates and nearly 70,000 square feet of new space to the existing west side terminal. This was done in response to the rapid increase in passengers since Allegiant Air began operations in 2007, which led to crowded facilities.

The improvements at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport are designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers, offering not only increased capacity but also a range of amenities, including dining, shopping, and easy access to transportation options.

A $28 million concourse added 5 gates

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has recently undergone a significant upgrade with the addition of a new concourse. This $28 million project has added much-needed capacity to the airport, with five new gates now available for passengers. The new concourse is a substantial improvement, covering 30,000 square feet, and is expected to enhance the efficiency of the airport's operations and better serve the growing community it supports.

The new concourse is a welcome development for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the airport accommodated over 1.9 million passengers, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. This expansion can be attributed, in part, to the presence of airlines such as Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, which utilise the airport as a base or focus city. The addition of five gates is expected to further boost the airport's capacity and attract even more airlines to operate from this facility.

The $28 million concourse is a significant investment in the airport's infrastructure and is funded in part by a $14.4 million grant from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding was secured with the support of U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, who emphasised the importance of keeping up with the airport's rapid growth and ensuring efficient operations. The new concourse is designed to not only increase gate capacity but also to enhance the overall experience of travellers passing through the airport.

The new concourse features a range of amenities to improve the passenger experience. It includes a grab-and-go market, 'First Jet Market', offering convenience items and unique souvenirs with an Arizona twist, such as cactus candy and hot sauce. Passengers can also enjoy outdoor spaces, including an animal relief area and a patio connected to Macayo's Mexican Food with 10 tables. For those waiting for their flights, there are seating areas with charging ports for laptops and other electronic devices, ensuring travellers can stay connected and productive during their time at the airport.

The addition of the $28 million concourse with five new gates is a significant milestone for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, enhancing its capacity, efficiency, and passenger experience. With this upgrade, the airport is well-positioned to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region and continue its role as a key transportation hub for the community.

The airport has 3 runways

Mesa Gateway Airport, also known as Phoenix–Mesa Airport, is located in southeastern Mesa, Arizona, about 20 miles southeast of Phoenix. The airport has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of passengers and expanding services. To accommodate this growth, the airport has undergone several renovations and expansions to enhance its capacity and functionality.

The airport currently has three parallel paved runways. These runways are designated as 12C/30C, 12L/30R, and 12R/30L, each with specific dimensions. The longest runway, 12C/30C, spans 10,201 feet in length and 150 feet in width, featuring a combination of asphalt and concrete surfaces. Runway 12L/30R measures 9,300 feet in length and 150 feet in width, constructed entirely of concrete. The third runway, 12R/30L, stretches to a length of 10,401 feet with a width of 150 feet, also constructed of concrete.

The presence of three runways at Mesa Gateway Airport is advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances the airport's operational capacity by providing multiple options for aircraft takeoffs and landings. This can help improve the efficiency of flight operations, particularly during peak hours or when there is a high volume of air traffic. Additionally, having three runways can contribute to improved safety by providing alternative options in case of maintenance or emergency situations. It allows for more flexibility in managing air traffic and can help reduce potential delays caused by runway closures or unforeseen events.

The runways at Mesa Gateway Airport cater to a variety of aircraft, including general aviation, air taxi, airline, and military flights. In the year ending December 31, 2022, the airport recorded 254,599 aircraft operations, averaging 697 flights per day. This included general aviation as the most prominent type of operation, accounting for 80% of the total, followed by air taxi (14%), airline (5%), and military (2%) operations. The availability of three runways enables the airport to accommodate this diverse range of aircraft movements efficiently, ensuring smooth and safe flight operations.

It is 20 miles southeast of Phoenix

Mesa Airport, officially known as Mesa Gateway Airport, is located in southeastern Mesa, Arizona, approximately 20 miles southeast of Phoenix. Mesa is a rapidly growing regional airport, serving nearly 2 million passengers annually. It is a convenient gateway to the Greater Phoenix area, with easy access to the Loop 202 Santan and US 60 freeways.

The airport is a reliever airport for the larger Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is just 28 miles away from Mesa. This means it is a general aviation airport used to reduce congestion at the larger airport. Mesa Airport is owned and operated by the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.

Mesa Airport has undergone significant improvements and expansions over the years. In 2025, a new $28 million, 30,000-square-foot concourse opened, adding five gates to the airport's capacity. This concourse features outdoor spaces, seating areas with charging ports, and a grab-and-go market.

The airport covers 3,020 acres and has three parallel paved runways. In 2022, a new control tower was added to manage the increasing air traffic. The number of passengers has been steadily increasing, with a 6% growth in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

It is a base for Allegiant Air

Mesa Gateway Airport, also known as Phoenix–Mesa Airport, is a base for Allegiant Air. Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier based in Las Vegas that began scheduled services from Mesa in October 2007. The airline connects the Phoenix area with 13 cities.

Allegiant Air's presence at the airport has significantly contributed to the increase in passenger numbers at Mesa Gateway Airport. In 2019, the airport reported 1,772,678 passenger boardings. The number of passengers has grown so much that the airport has had to undergo extensive renovations and expansions to accommodate the increased demand.

The airport staff and authorities recognise the importance of Allegiant Air's operations at the airport. In an interview, the airport's executive director, J. Brian O'Neill, acknowledged that the new concourse would help Allegiant Air operate more efficiently and better serve its customers.

Allegiant Air's choice to make Mesa Gateway Airport a base has been instrumental in the airport's development and growth. The airline's presence has attracted new airlines and expanded services, leading to record-setting growth and the need for further expansion of the airport's facilities.

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