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Tucson International Airport, located in Arizona, has a rich history dating back to 1919 when it became the first municipally-owned airport in the United States. Over the years, it has undergone various transformations and expansions, including the addition of the Morris Air National Guard Base, now known as Tucson Air National Guard Base. The airport currently offers daily nonstop airline service to 23 destinations across the US. Interestingly, it also houses the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB or DM AFB), known for its unique role as the sole aircraft boneyard for excess military and US government aircraft. With a range of amenities and services, Tucson International Airport caters to both military and civilian aviation needs, contributing to the region's aviation landscape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Davis–Monthan Air Force Base (DM AFB) |
| Location | 5 miles (4 nmi; 8 km) southeast of downtown Tucson, Arizona |
| Year of Establishment | 1925 |
| Former Name | Davis–Monthan Landing Field |
| Host Unit | 355th Wing (355 WG) |
| Assigned to | Twelfth Air Force (12AF), part of Air Combat Command (ACC) |
| Best Known as | The location of the Air Force Materiel Command's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG), the aircraft boneyard for all excess military and U.S. government aircraft and aerospace vehicles |
| Other Aircraft | A-10 Thunderbolt II, MQ-9 Reaper |
| Support | Additional active duty support to the 162d Fighter Wing (162 FW) of the Arizona Air National Guard |
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What You'll Learn
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is 5 miles from downtown Tucson
The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB) is a United States Air Force base located 5 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, Arizona. It was established in 1925 as the Davis-Monthan Landing Field and became known as the Tucson Army Air Field in 1940 as the country prepared for World War II. The base played a significant role during the war, training bombardment groups and housing German POWs after the war ended. Today, DMAFB is known for being the location of the Air Force Materiel Command's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG), serving as the sole aircraft boneyard for excess military and U.S. government aircraft. The dry climate and alkali soil of Tucson make it an ideal location for preserving aircraft, with more than 4,000 military aircraft parked on the base.
DMAFB has a rich history, reflecting its long-standing association with aviation and military operations. The base has undergone several name changes, reflecting its evolving purpose and utilization. It was initially known as Davis-Monthan Landing Field upon its establishment in 1925, and it played a crucial role during World War II under the name Davis-Monthan Army Air Field. The airfield was utilized for heavy bomber operations, with various bomber aircraft conducting training and observation missions.
The base has strong connections with the local community and actively engages with the people of Tucson. For instance, the biannual Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona Air Show opens its gates to students and guests, offering educational opportunities and showcasing the capabilities of the Air Force. The base also has a significant economic impact on the region, generating employment and business opportunities.
In terms of its operational capabilities, the 355th Wing (355 WG) assigned to the base provides close air support and forward air controllers to ground forces worldwide. The 355 WG is the host unit, offering medical, logistical, mission, and operational support to assigned units. Additionally, the base provides active-duty support to the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard, located at the nearby Tucson International Airport.
Tucson International Airport, situated near DMAFB, is a bustling aviation hub with a long history of serving the region. The airport offers daily nonstop airline service to numerous destinations across the United States and has a variety of terminal facilities to accommodate passenger needs. The airport is operated by the Tucson Airport Authority, which also manages other aviation facilities in the area, including Ryan Airfield and the Hughes Missile Plant, now known as Air Force Plant 44.
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Tucson Airport has one terminal and three concourses
Tucson International Airport has one terminal with three concourses. The terminal has three levels, with the ground level designated for baggage claim and passenger pick-up, the upper level for airline ticketing, concessions, airline gates, and TSA, and the third level for meetings and conference rooms, as well as the Tucson Airport Authority offices. The terminal underwent renovations in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, with the most recent major renovation completed in November 2017 as part of the Terminal Optimization Program (TOP). This program included improvements such as enhanced concession and revenue opportunities, upgrades to building systems, and maximized use of space.
The three concourses at Tucson International Airport are Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. Concourse A has nine gates (A1-A9), Concourse B has eleven gates (B1-B11), and Concourse C, located in a separate building west of the main terminal, has one gate (C1). Both Concourse A and Concourse B can be accessed from the upper (departures) level of the main terminal, with Concourse B gates located at the west end and Concourse A gates on the east side. All three concourses offer food, beverage, and shopping options, as well as free wireless internet and charging stations. Additionally, there are free water-filling stations near water fountains on Concourses A and B. Concourse A and the secure area beyond the TSA checkpoint also feature a pet relief facility, with bags and containers for solid waste provided.
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Tucson Airport Authority operates Ryan Airfield
The Tucson Airport Authority operates Ryan Airfield (RYN), a general aviation airport located approximately 14 miles southwest of Tucson, at the intersection of West Valencia Road and Ajo Way. The airport spans 1,804 acres and is home to more than 200 aircraft, with over a dozen tenants providing services to general aviation, charter operators, and flight instruction facilities.
RYN is the only airport in southern Arizona with an air traffic control tower operated under the Federal Aviation Administration's Contract Tower Program. The tower is staffed daily from 6 am to 8 pm. The airport also has a coin-operated, self-serve aircraft wash rack located on the southwest edge of the transient apron near the tower.
The Tucson Airport Authority provides regular updates about Ryan Airfield and Tucson International Airport in its monthly newsletter. The airfield has various businesses operating on-site, including Aero Smith, Sonora Avionics, Tucson Upholstery Aircraft Interiors, TAA RYN Hangars, Cherokee Cabanas, Mobile Aire Hangars, VistaWest Hangars, and Alpha Air, each with its own contact information and operating hours.
The Tucson Airport Authority also has a Master Plan for Ryan Airfield, which is a 20-year blueprint to guide the development of new or expanded facilities to meet future airport demand. This plan is updated periodically to ensure that the airport can accommodate the changing needs of its tenants and users.
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Tucson Airport has a Military Lounge
The Tucson International Airport, previously known as the Davis-Monthan Airport, has a Military Lounge. The airport is located 5 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, Arizona. The Military Lounge is operated and funded by the Tucson Airport Authority and was renovated and made possible by several local donors. The lounge is equipped with 12 leather reclining seats, a flat-screen TV, a small kitchen with snacks and drinks, and a high-top table. The lounge also features donated artwork from local artists displayed on the walls next to the departures and arrivals screen. The Military Lounge is located near baggage carousel five.
The Tucson Airport Authority provides a range of services to passengers at the airport, including baggage scales and counters located near airline check-in counters in the main terminal. The airport also offers free WiFi, water-filling stations, and volunteer customer service representatives to assist travellers. Additionally, the airport has three ATM machines, with two of them offering currency exchange for pesos.
The Tucson International Airport is also home to the Arizona Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center. The base provides active-duty support to these units, which fly the F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcon. The airport's dry climate and alkali soil make it an ideal location for storing and preserving aircraft, with more than 4,000 military aircraft parked on the base.
The Tucson Airport Authority also provides medical and emergency services, with emergency phone numbers clearly displayed and easy access to the Tucson Airport Authority Police or Fire/EMT response teams. The airport is operational 24/7, but individual services and concessions set their own hours. The TSA security checkpoints usually open by 4 am and close with the last flight departure for the night.
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Tucson Airport is the third facility in Arizona with an ATP Flight School
The Tucson International Airport is home to the third Arizona facility with an ATP Flight School. The school is part of a network of 81 locations across the country. The Tucson training centre offers the Airline Career Pilot Program, which provides students with an efficient path to a successful airline pilot career. The program is designed to prepare pilots for airline careers from zero time to 1,500 hours, with CFI jobs and airline employment.
The Tucson facility was opened to address the mounting airline pilot shortage. Students training at the Tucson facility will use ATP's fleet of Cessna 172 Skyhawks, which are maintained by a dedicated network of 27 maintenance centres. The school's location in the southwest, combined with its industry-leading curriculum, provides students with an efficient path to an airline pilot career. The consistent weather in Arizona allows for more flyable days, giving students more time in the air to refine their skills.
The Tucson Airport was previously known as Davis-Monthan Airport and became Tucson Army Air Field in 1940 as the United States prepared for World War II. The airfield was used for heavy bomber operations, sending Douglas B-18 Bolo, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers for training and observation missions. Today, the airport provides active-duty support to the 162d Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center, both of which are located at the Tucson Air National Guard Base.
The Tucson ATP Flight School offers an excellent training experience in general aviation. The school provides top-tier facilities, experienced instructors, and the largest training fleet in the industry. Students can take advantage of benefits such as full financing, airline-sponsored tuition reimbursement, and airline cadet programs, making an airline pilot career more attainable.
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Frequently asked questions
DM stands for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, a US Air Force base located 5 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, Arizona.
The base is known for being the location of the Air Force Materiel Command's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG), serving as the aircraft boneyard for all excess military and US government aircraft and aerospace vehicles.
Davis-Monthan Airport was established in 1925 and became Tucson Army Air Field in 1940 as the US prepared for World War II. The base played a role in training and observation missions during the war and housed German POWs after the war until March 1946.
The Tucson Airport Authority operates Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield, a general aviation airport. The Authority was also involved in bringing the Hughes Missile Plant, now known as Air Force Plant 44, to Tucson.
Tucson International Airport offers various amenities, including ATM machines, currency exchange services, free WiFi, and retail shops. The airport also provides medical and police emergency services and has a Military Lounge exclusively for active-duty military personnel.
