Mesa Gateway Airport served 2 million passengers in fiscal year 2023
Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board has voted to approve a new name for the airport: Mesa Gateway Airport.
Mesa City Hall officials tell the Digital Free Press the change in name — the dropping of the word “Phoenix” — better aligns with the strategic future envisaged by East Valley leaders.
“This name change reflects the tremendous growth and economic vitality of the East Valley,”said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, who serves as chair of the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board. “With the collaborative support of Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and the Gila River Indian Community, Mesa Gateway Airport is positioned to continue serving as a vital transportation asset for our region’s 1.5 million residents and as a secondary air travel hub to the metro region.”
Mesa Gateway Airport served nearly 2 million passengers in last fiscal year, according to a press release.
Earlier this year, Mesa Gateway Airport expanded its facilities with a new 30,000-square-foot concourse featuring five additional gates, demonstrating its commitment to meeting increasing demand.
“As the 36th largest city in the United States, Mesa has emerged as a hub for innovation and technology in the region,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles. “This name change aligns perfectly with Mesa and the East Valley’s growing reputation as a prime location for business investment and development, anchored by major employers like Amazon, ASU, Banner, Boeing, LG Energy Solution, and Northrop Grumman.”
In 2023, Mesa welcomed 4.4 million visitors who generated $748.6 million in direct visitor spending, supported 5,647 jobs, and contributed $84.7 million in state and local taxes.
“The renaming of Mesa Gateway Airport marks an exciting new chapter in our region’s tourism story,”said Marc Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Mesa, which serves as the municipality’s destination marketing organization.
“As more travelers discover the unique experiences and tremendous value the East Valley offers, having an airport that authentically represents our identity while providing convenient access to a growing number of regional destinations sets the stage for continued tourism growth. This evolution reflects our unlimited potential as a vibrant destination, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience all that Mesa and our neighboring cities have to offer.”
Mesa Gateway Airport serves 45 nonstop destinations through carriers, including Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, and continues to expand its routes. Allegiant recently announced a new route to Colorado Springs starting in February 2025.
