Tucson's Airport: A Travel Hub In The Arizona Desert

Tucson International Airport (IATA: TUS) is located 8 miles south of downtown Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County. It is the second busiest airport in Arizona and is owned by the City of Tucson. The airport is operated by the Tucson Airport Authority on a long-term lease and offers nonstop flights to 19 airports across the United States. With convenient connections, travellers can easily access various destinations across the country. Tucson International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation in the United States. It has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region.

Tucson International Airport (TUS)

Tucson International Airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation. The city of Tucson opened the first municipally-owned airport in the United States in 1919. Commercial flights began in 1928 with Standard Airlines (later American Airlines), and regular airmail service started in 1930. During World War II, the airfield was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command. The Tucson Airport Authority, a non-profit corporation, was established in 1948 to manage the airport and make policy decisions.

The airport has two asphalt runways: Runway 12/30, which is 10,996 ft × 150 ft (3,352 m × 46 m) with ILS, and Runway 4/22, measuring 7,000 ft × 150 ft (2,134 m × 46 m). In addition, there is a permanent closed runway, Runway 11R/29L, previously measuring 8,408 ft × 75 ft (2,563 m × 23 m). The airport accommodates a variety of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, military, and helicopter operations.

Tucson International Airport offers a range of dining and shopping options within its concourses. The airport has been recognised for its innovative health and safety measures during the global pandemic, prioritising cleanliness and stress-free travel. With nonstop flights from 19 airports across the United States and convenient connections, TUS provides easy access to the unique attractions and outdoor adventures of the Sonoran Desert.

Airlines and destinations

Tucson International Airport (TUS) is served by several airlines, offering nonstop flights to various destinations across the United States. The airport is located 8 miles south of downtown Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona.

• Alaska Airlines: Offering nonstop flights to Everett (North Seattle), Orange County, Portland, and Seattle.
• American Airlines: Nonstop service to Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
• Delta Air Lines: Nonstop flights to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
• Southwest Airlines: Nonstop service to Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento.
• United Airlines: Nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston Bush, and San Francisco.
• Sun Country Airlines: Seasonal service to Minneapolis/St. Paul.
• Frontier Airlines: Returning to TUS in March 2025, with nonstop flights to Denver.

In addition to these, there are several other airlines that offer connecting flights or have operated at TUS in the past, such as Aeromexico, Air West, Hughes Airwest, and Eastern Airlines. TUS also has freight services provided by companies like Freight Runners Express.

History of Tucson International Airport

Tucson International Airport (IATA: TUS, ICAO: KTUS, FAA LID: TUS) is a civil-military airport owned by the City of Tucson. It is located 8 miles (7.0 nmi; 13 km) south of downtown Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona, United States.

The history of the airport can be traced back to the early 20th century when aviation first captivated the people of Tucson. Here is a detailed history of the airport:

The Beginnings of Aviation in Tucson

The story of aviation in Tucson began in 1910 when Charles "the bird man" Hamilton landed his Curtis Bi-Plane in front of over 13,000 spectators at the Elysian Grove Amusement Park downtown on the east bank of the Santa Cruz River. The following year, Robert Fowler and Cal Rodgers competed for a $50,000 prize offered by William Randolph Hearst for the first person to fly coast-to-coast in 30 days or less. Neither won the prize, but they both carved their names into aviation history.

In 1915, Katherine Stinson, the "Schoolgirl Aviatrix," performed aerobatics at the Pima County Fair. Stinson was one of the first women authorized to carry mail for the United States, and she established mail route 668.001, capturing the hearts of many Tucsonans.

The First Municipal Airport

Captivated by aviation, Tucson built the first municipal airport in the country on the Old Nogales Highway, known as McCauley Field and later renamed Fishburn Field after Tucson City Councilman Randolph Fishburn. In 1923, it was renamed Tucson Municipal Flying Field. This airport became a regular refuelling stop for the Air Service, and soon the demand exceeded its capacity.

Relocation and Commercial Flights

In 1925, the airport relocated to a larger parcel of land where the Davis Monthan Air Force Base is today. Charles Lindbergh, fresh from his historic cross-continent flight, landed here in 1927 to dedicate the new field, attracting a crowd of 30,000 people—more than 20% of the state's population. That same year, Standard Airlines offered Tucson its first commercial air service, which later became one of the country's largest carriers, American Airlines.

World War II and the Tucson Airport Authority

During World War II, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Air Technical Service Command. A contract flying school was operated by the USAAF West Coast Training Center from July 25, 1942, until September 1944.

In 1948, the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) was created as a non-profit corporation to manage the airport. The TAA signed a lease with the city of Tucson for a vacant landing strip, which later became the Tucson International Airport. The TAA played a crucial role in the airport's development and bringing aviation-related businesses to the city.

Growth and Expansion

In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport underwent significant changes. A new control tower was constructed in 1958, replacing the original wooden-framed tower from the WWII era. Commercial airline service took off with the arrival of Frontier Airlines in 1950. In 1956, the Civil Aeronautics Board approved routes out of Tucson for Trans World Airlines (TWA), and flights began in December of that year.

In 1963, a new terminal with an international inspection station was designed by Terry Atkinson. The airport's name became legitimate with the arrival of Aeronaves de Mexico, which began Douglas DC-6 service to Hermosillo and beyond in 1961.

Remodelling and Upgrades

The airport underwent remodelling in the 1960s and 1970s, with minor changes to the terminal. In 1985, a significant remodelling project doubled the size of the terminal from 150,000 to 300,000 square feet and added jet-way boarding. Another expansion in the early 2000s further updated the facade and added more space to ticketing and baggage claim.

In 2014, the Tucson Airport Authority approved a 20-year property lease with the Federal Aviation Administration to build a new control tower, which opened in 2016, offering improved views and technology for safer and more efficient operations.

Today, Tucson International Airport continues to be a vital aviation hub, offering daily nonstop airline service to destinations across the US and Canada. It is the second busiest airport in Arizona and plays a significant role in the region's economic development.

Transport to and from the airport

Tucson International Airport (IATA: TUS, ICAO: KTUS, FAA LID: TUS) is located about 8 miles (7.0 nmi; 13 km) south of downtown Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona, United States. It is owned by the City of Tucson and operated by the Tucson Airport Authority on a long-term lease.

There are more than 70 car, limo, and shuttle services that can take you to and from the airport. These include companies like A-Run Transportation, Adobe Transportation, and Roadrunner Transportation. Arriving passengers can meet their drivers outside the baggage claim on the lower level of the main terminal. Some companies may also meet passengers in the baggage claim area or outside on the third island of the commercial roadway. It is recommended to confirm the meeting place when making a reservation.

Additionally, there are hotels and resorts that provide transportation to and from the airport. Some offer this service complimentary, while others may charge a fee. These hotels include Baymont Inn & Suites Tucson Airport, Comfort Suites Airport, and DoubleTree Hotel Reid Park, among others.

For those using public transportation, Sun Tran bus routes No. 11 and No. 25 can be used to get to the airport.

The airport also has parking options available, with hourly rates of $1 per 20 minutes and daily rates of $7.50 for economy covered parking.

Leisure activities near the airport

Yes, there is an airport in Tucson, Arizona—the Tucson International Airport (TUS). It is located 8 miles (13 km) south of downtown Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona, United States.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is an AZA-accredited zoo and botanical garden with two art galleries. It offers a Sonoran Desert adventure and is mostly outdoors.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area offers scenic canyon views and a network of hiking trails catering to all skill levels. Tram rides are also available for easy trail access and panoramic views.

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is a scenic mountain drive that transitions from desert to alpine landscapes. It offers photo-worthy vistas and a charming summit area with seasonal skiing and quaint shops.

Pima Air and Space Museum

The Pima Air and Space Museum features a diverse collection of military and civilian aircraft, including a notable B-17 exhibit. It offers indoor and outdoor displays with historical artefacts and informative guided tours.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

The Mission San Xavier del Bac is a recently restored white adobe church, built in the 1700s. It showcases beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, with colourful frescoes and sculptures.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a desert botanical space that showcases an array of cacti, succulents, and herb gardens. It also features art galleries, a tranquil outdoor dining area, and a butterfly exhibit.

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a unique museum displaying detailed historical and fantastical miniature scenes. It offers engaging activities for all ages in a creatively laid-out space.

Frequently asked questions