Sedona's Airport: An Unexpected Travel Hub

Yes, there is an airport in Sedona. Sedona Airport is located 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of the city's central business district. It is perched on top of a mountain, 500 feet above Sedona, and has been dubbed America's Most Scenic Airport. The airport was established in 1955 and has a runway and a helipad. However, it does not accommodate commercial jets the size of a Boeing 737 or larger. Flagstaff Pullium Airport is the closest small commercial airport, just a 40-minute drive away. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the closest major international airport, approximately a 2-hour drive from Sedona.

Sedona Airport: 2 miles from the city, it is known as 'America's Most Scenic Airport'

Sedona Airport is located just 2 miles from the city of Sedona, in Yavapai County, Arizona. It is known as "America's Most Scenic Airport", perched atop a mountain 500 feet above the city. The airport covers 220 acres and features a tabletop runway, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks and majestic mountains.

The history of Sedona Airport dates back to 1955 when it was established with a 3,700-foot dirt strip. Initially, the airport lacked a paved runway, and animals like coyotes were spotted wandering around the airstrip, posing a danger to pilots. However, by 1957, a small paved runway was constructed, improving safety and functionality.

Over the years, the airport has undergone significant enhancements, including upgrades to its runway, taxiways, transient parking, hangar availability, and fuel services. These improvements have kept pace with Sedona's evolution as a premier resort destination. The airport is managed by the Sedona-Oak Creek Airport Authority, with Red Rock Aviation providing fuelling and guest services.

Sedona Airport caters to private and charter aircraft and smaller business jets and aircraft, such as Cessna and Beech planes and helicopters. It cannot accommodate commercial jets the size of a Boeing 737 or larger. The airport is a popular choice for those seeking a scenic and convenient gateway to Sedona and the surrounding area.

For visitors to Sedona, the airport offers a unique experience, with aircraft seemingly disappearing into the mountains as they approach for landing. The airport is also featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator, where players can experience the handcrafted detail of the taxiways and runway.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: the closest international airport to Sedona

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the closest major international airport to Sedona, located just over 2 hours' drive away (approximately 119 miles). It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with over 35 million visitors annually and thousands of flights arriving and departing daily.

The airport is a hub for various airlines, including American Airlines, which offers several flights to Sedona. The drive from the airport to Sedona offers a scenic route through mountains on Interstate 17.

There are different transportation options to get from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Sedona. One option is to rent a car and drive, which is the cheapest option, costing around $22 to $35 for the trip. The drive usually takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes, covering a distance of about 126 miles.

Another option is to take a shuttle service, such as the Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, which offers transportation from the airport to Sedona. This option takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs $154.

Additionally, there is the choice to fly from Phoenix to Flagstaff and then drive to Sedona. This option can include a connection through Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or other major airports. However, it is important to consider the additional time and cost of this route.

When planning a trip to Sedona, it is recommended to compare the costs and travel times of different transportation options to make an informed decision.

Flagstaff Pullium Airport: the closest small commercial airport to Sedona

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is the closest small commercial airport to Sedona, located just 25.3 miles away. The drive from Flagstaff to Sedona typically takes around 40 minutes and is a scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is served by American Airlines, with daily flights connecting to Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver. The airport offers multiple flights each day, making it a convenient option for travellers.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport implemented paid parking in July 2023, adding an Economy Lot with 413 parking spots. The airport is currently undergoing several improvement projects to enhance traveller experience and support airline operations.

The airport was built in 1948 and named after Clarence T. Maggie Pulliam, a former Flagstaff city manager. It covers 763 acres of land and has one runway, which is 8,800 feet in length. In 2017, the airport recorded an average of 119 aircraft operations per day, including general aviation, air taxi, military, and airline flights.

For travellers heading to Sedona, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport offers a convenient and scenic option with daily flight connections to major cities. With its proximity to Sedona and recent improvements, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is an ideal choice for those seeking a small commercial airport in the area.

Prescott Ernest A. Love Field: a good starting point for an Arizona vacation

Prescott Ernest A. Love Field is a great starting point for an Arizona vacation. Located just 55 miles from Sedona, it is the closest airport to the city with commercial airline service. The airport is named after Lieutenant Ernest A. Love, a World War I hero who grew up in Prescott and was fascinated with aircraft.

The airport is a medium-sized, multi-use facility that supports recreational general aviation, corporate aviation, air cargo, military operations, and U.S. Forest Service firefighting operations. It is one of the nation's top 50 busiest airports due to intensive fixed-wing and helicopter flight training. The airport is served by United Airlines, which offers daily flights to Denver and Los Angeles.

Prescott's central location in Arizona makes it an ideal base for exploring the state. It is within close driving distance of Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon. The city received a $10 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2019 for the construction of a new terminal building, which opened in March 2021. The new terminal offers more space for passengers, security, and airline operations.

In addition to its convenient location and efficient operations, Prescott Ernest A. Love Field also has a rich history. The airport was dedicated as Ernest A. Love Field on August 28, 1928, with support from Love's parents, who generously contributed to the construction of the first terminal. A statue of Lieutenant Love was unveiled in April 2023, honouring his legacy and serving as a reminder of Prescott's history.

With its convenient location, efficient operations, and rich history, Prescott Ernest A. Love Field is an excellent starting point for a vacation in Arizona. Its proximity to popular destinations and the recent improvements to its facilities make it a great choice for travellers looking to explore the state.

Grand Canyon Airport: fly private or charter aircraft into this airport near the South Rim

Grand Canyon Airport is located near Tusayan, approximately 105 miles from Sedona, which is about a 2-hour drive. It is one of the closest airports to Sedona, Arizona, along with Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Prescott Ernest A. Love Field, and Sedona Airport.

Grand Canyon Airport is a great option for those looking to fly private or charter aircraft. It is a convenient gateway to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The airport is also a great choice for those who want to explore Sedona and the surrounding area, including the nearby Red Rocks of Sedona, which offer breathtaking views of the iconic red rock formations.

Sedona is known for its stunning natural scenery, spiritual vibes, and luxurious mountain-view resorts. The city is surrounded by towering buttes and spires of bold red rock, with Oak Creek Canyon offering a scenic drive through mountains and Interstate 17 providing easy access from Phoenix.

The Grand Canyon Airport, located near the entrance to the South Rim, serves as an ideal starting point for those looking to explore the Grand Canyon and Sedona. It provides easy access to the majestic views and hiking trails of the South Rim, as well as the vibrant arts, dining, and outdoor activities that Sedona has to offer.

For those flying private or charter aircraft, the Grand Canyon Airport is a convenient and accessible option to reach Sedona and the surrounding natural wonders of Arizona.

Frequently asked questions