Which Airport Offers The Best Access To Sedona, Arizona?

Sedona Airport is a non-towered airport located 2 miles southwest of Sedona, Arizona. However, it only serves private and charter flights and no commercial airlines fly in or out of Sedona. The closest airport to Sedona that welcomes commercial flights is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, 25 miles north of Sedona. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is another popular choice for those flying to Sedona, offering an extensive range of flights and located 119 miles from the city.

Closest airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport

The closest airport to Sedona, Arizona, that welcomes commercial flights is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). It is located just 25 miles north of Sedona, and the drive between the airport and Sedona takes about 40 to 45 minutes. The route is a scenic trip through Oak Creek Canyon on AZ-89A, offering one of the state's most beautiful drives.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is a small airport with a limited number of flights, which means airfare is likely to be more expensive. However, if your priority is time over money, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport may be a good option. This airport is also the closest to the Grand Canyon, which is ideal if that is part of your itinerary.

While Sedona Airport (SDX) is the closest airport to Sedona, it only serves private and charter flights. No commercial airlines fly in and out of Sedona, so it is not an option for those seeking commercial flights. However, the airport is located on top of a mesa in the middle of the city, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding red rock formations.

Another option for those travelling to Sedona is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is located 119 miles from Sedona and offers a variety of convenient flight options. This airport is one of the busiest in the world, making it easy to find a flight. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona takes approximately two hours and offers a stunning interstate highway drive through a changing desert landscape.

Scenic views: Sedona Airport

Sedona Airport is a non-towered airport located 2 miles southwest of the central business district of Sedona, Arizona. It is perched on a tabletop mesa 500 feet above the city, offering breathtaking views of the famous red rock mountains and the surrounding desert landscape.

The airport covers 220 acres and has one runway and one helipad. It is a popular destination for private and charter aircraft, with no commercial airlines flying in and out of Sedona. The airport is known for its scenic beauty, earning the title of "America's Most Scenic Airport."

For visitors, the airport provides a unique experience. One can drive up to the mesa, park their car, and explore the surrounding desert trails, taking in the stunning red rock formations and panoramic views. The Airport Scenic Lookout is renowned for its sunsets, making it one of the best spots in Sedona to witness the vibrant hues of the desert sky.

While Sedona Airport caters to private and charter flights, those travelling commercially have a range of options nearby. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is a 40-minute drive away, offering a scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon. Alternatively, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a popular choice, located about two hours from Sedona and offering an extensive range of flights.

With its stunning vistas and unique location, Sedona Airport embodies the beauty of the surrounding red rock country, providing visitors with a memorable experience, whether arriving by private jet or exploring the area by foot.

Largest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

While Sedona Airport is the closest airport to Sedona, Arizona, it only serves private and charter flights. Therefore, if you are looking for a commercial airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is the best option.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is Arizona's largest and busiest commercial airport, located just 119 miles from Sedona. It is a mere two-hour drive from the airport to Sedona, and the route takes you through a stunning and ever-changing desert landscape. You will start in downtown Phoenix, driving through Saguaro-filled low desert vegetation. As you continue, the landscape will transform, with the Saguaro giving way to mountains, low-lying brush, and grasslands.

Being one of the busiest airports in the world, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport offers a wide range of convenient flight options for travellers. The airport serves all major airlines and provides various amenities, including shops, restaurants, car rentals, shuttle services, and even an art museum.

The airport is easily accessible from Sedona, with a straightforward drive that passes through Phoenix's busy traffic. It is an excellent choice for visitors seeking affordable flight options and the convenience of multiple travel options. The airport's modern amenities, dining options, and efficient transportation services make it a popular choice for travellers heading to Sedona.

In conclusion, while Sedona Airport is the closest, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, with its array of services and convenient location, is the largest and most popular commercial airport serving Sedona, Arizona.

International airport: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is an international airport located in southeastern Mesa, Arizona, approximately 20 miles southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County. The airport is owned and operated by the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority and serves as a reliever airport for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It is a base for Allegiant Air, which operates scheduled services to and from the airport.

The airport has a diverse range of aircraft and pilot skill levels, serving air carriers, business and general aviation, and transient military aircraft. It is also a hub for extensive flight training operations. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has a new control tower, built in 2022, to accommodate increased air traffic.

The airport was previously known as Williams Gateway Airport from 1994 to 2008 and Williams Air Force Base from 1948 to 1993. In 2007, the governing board approved a name change to Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, reflecting the growth and expansion of the airport.

While Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport serves the Phoenix area, it is important to note that the closest airport to Sedona, AZ, is the Sedona Airport. However, as Sedona Airport does not accommodate commercial airlines, travellers often opt for nearby airports such as Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), Flagstaff (FLG), or Las Vegas (LAS).

For longer stays: Tucson International Airport

While Sedona Airport is a popular tourist attraction, offering scenic views of the city's red rock formations, it only serves private and charter flights. For those travelling by commercial airline, there are several alternative options. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (around 25 miles north of Sedona) is the closest airport to Sedona that welcomes commercial flights, but it is small and serves a limited number of flights, which means airfare can be expensive.

For longer stays, Tucson International Airport is a great choice. Located nearly four hours from Sedona by car, it is one of the largest airports in Arizona and serves as a gateway for travellers arriving from the southern US or international locations. The airport offers a variety of flights and amenities, including dining, shopping, and car rental options. The route to Sedona from Tucson International Airport is scenic, taking you through Arizona's vast desert landscapes. Its reliability and connectivity make it a good option for those planning longer stays in the region.

Other options for commercial airports near Sedona include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is located around 119 miles from Sedona and offers a variety of convenient flight options, and Prescott Ernest A. Love Field, which is located 55 miles from Sedona and offers limited commercial airline service through Great Lake Airlines. Las Vegas's McCarran airport is also an option, located 292 miles from Sedona.

Frequently asked questions