Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport

Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: AZA, ICAO: KIWA, FAA LID: IWA), formerly Williams Gateway Airport (1994–2008) and Williams Air Force Base (1948–1993), is an international airport in the southeastern area of Mesa, Arizona, 20 miles (17 nmi) southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County.[1] The airport, owned and operated by the Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, is a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It is a base for Allegiant Air. The airport authority is governed by a six-member board: the mayors of the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek, the mayors of the cities of Mesa, Phoenix and Apache Junction, as well as the tribal governor of the Gila River Indian Community.[2]

"AZA" redirects here. For other uses, see Aza (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Not to be confused with Falcon Field (Arizona).
Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
Owner/OperatorPhoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
ServesPhoenix metropolitan area
LocationMesa, Arizona
Focus city for
Built1941
Elevation AMSL1,384 ft / 421 m
Coordinates33°18′28″N 111°39′20″W
WebsiteGatewayAirport.com
Maps

FAA diagram
IWA
IWA
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
12C/30C 10,201 3,109 Asphalt/concrete
12L/30R 9,300 2,835 Concrete
12R/30L 10,401 3,170 Concrete
Statistics (2019)
Aircraft operations (2018)288,921
Based aircraft (2018)126
Passenger volume (2019)1,774,763

The FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2007–2011 called Phoenix–Mesa Gateway a reliever airport, which is a general aviation airport used to relieve congestion at a large airline airport.[3] Allegiant Air began scheduled service from Mesa in October 2007.[4] Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport records say the airport had 1,338,216 passenger boardings in calendar year 2017. Most U.S. airports use the same three-letter location identifier for the FAA and IATA, but Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport has different codes for each. The aviation community generally uses the FAA code of IWA, while commercial passenger flight organizations use the IATA code of AZA.[5]

History
Airport entrance showing the former name
Baggage Claim Building

The airport was built in 1941 as Higley Field; it was renamed Williams Field on February 24, 1942 in honor of Arizona native 1st Lt. Charles Linton Williams (1898–1927), who while serving with the 19th Pursuit Squadron from Wheeler Field, Oahu was killed when he had to ditch his Boeing PW-9A, 26-353, in the Pacific Ocean about a mile off of Fort DeRussy, Territory of Hawaii. Then in 1948 the field was acquired by the United States military and renamed Williams Air Base in January 1948. It was a flight training field during World War II.

In 1948 Williams became the first jet training base; in 1966 it was the first site of the Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program.[6] The 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended closing the base, and it closed in 1993.

As the base was being shut down it was decided that, with the growing traffic at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, an alternative airport would be needed. The runway was expanded to accommodate airliners and the facility opened in 1994 as Williams Gateway Airport. Bids began for some airlines to begin flights almost immediately.

In 2004 charter airline Ryan International Airlines began MD-82 flights to Bullhead City International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona, next to Laughlin, Nevada and many resorts. In recent years the airport has again become a center of flight training; several flight schools take advantage of the weather in the Phoenix valley.

On July 31, 2007 the low-cost Las Vegas-based carrier Allegiant Air announced plans to open a focus city at Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, connecting the Phoenix area to 13 cities. Service commenced on October 25, 2007, with cities being added until November 21, 2007.[4] In a press release on September 17, 2007, the Williams Gateway Airport Authority governing board approved a name change for Williams Gateway Airport effective October 15, 2007 to Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport.

On June 16, 2015, after Elite Airways announced non-stop flights from San Diego and Salt Lake City to Phoenix–Mesa, Allegiant threatened to leave the airport.[7] This is primarily due to the incentives the airport is offering to Elite.[8] If Allegiant were to leave, it would consider relocating to the nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.[9][10]

On January 21, 2017 Phoenix-Mesa welcomed its first international flight and first two international destinations, as Westjet inaugurated its seasonal service to Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta.[11] Westjet has already seen success at Phoenix Sky Harbor for years, with Calgary and Edmonton being the 1st and 6th most popular international destinations at Sky Harbor, respectively.[12]

Board of directors

In 1994 the Willams Gateway Airport Authority was established with a three-member board with representation from the three cities immediately adjacent to Williams Field. The original governing board consisted of the mayors of the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek and the city of Mesa, who continue as members today.

In later years the Gila River Indian Community and the city of Phoenix joined the Williams Gateway Airport Authority board (now Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority). Gila River Indian Community joined in 1995 and the City of Phoenix joined in 2006. The city of Apache Junction joined in 2013. A six-member airport Board of Directors is composed of elected officials from neighboring cities and a tribal government. Authority communities are:

Facilities

The airport covers 3,020 acres (1,220 ha) and has three paved runways:[1]

  • 12C/30C: 10,201 ft × 150 ft (3,109 m × 46 m), asphalt/concrete
  • 12L/30R: 9,300 ft × 150 ft (2,835 m × 46 m), concrete
  • 12R/30L: 10,401 ft × 150 ft (3,170 m × 46 m), concrete

In the year ending December 31, 2018 the airport had 288,921 aircraft operations, average 791 per day: 78% general aviation, 16% air taxi, 4% airline and 2% military. In 2018, 126 aircraft were based at this airport: 87 single-engine, 20 multi-engine and 18 jet and 1 helicopter.[1]

Airlines and destinations

Passenger
Allegiant Air McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Allegiant Air aircraft in Blue Man Group livery
AirlinesDestinations
Allegiant Air Appleton, Belleville/St. Louis, Bellingham, Billings, Bismarck, Boise, Bozeman, Cedar Rapids, Chicago/Rockford, Cincinnati, Des Moines, Eugene, Fargo, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fort Wayne, Grand Forks, Grand Island, Grand Junction, Grand Rapids, Great Falls, Houston–Hobby (begins February 11, 2021),[13] Idaho Falls, Kalispell, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Minot, Missoula, Moline/Quad Cities, Oakland, Ogden, Omaha, Peoria, Provo, Rapid City, Redmond/Bend, Santa Maria, Sioux Falls, South Bend, Springfield/Branson, St. Cloud, Stockton, Traverse City, Tri-Cities (WA), Wichita
Seasonal: Jackson Hole (begins June 2, 2021),[14] Medford, Memphis
Swoop Seasonal: Edmonton[15]
WestJet Seasonal: Calgary

Other
  • Air Evac (Medevac airline)
  • Fighter Combat International

Training

Statistics

Top destinations
Busiest domestic routes from AZA
(August 2019 - July 2020)[16]
Rank City Passengers Carriers
1 Provo, Utah 69,720 Allegiant
2 Fargo, North Dakota 38,870 Allegiant
3 Sioux Falls, South Dakota 33,310 Allegiant
4 Grand Rapids, Michigan 27,520 Allegiant
5 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 26,460 Allegiant
6 Bismarck, North Dakota 24,010 Allegiant
7 Peoria, Illinois 22,160 Allegiant
8 Rapid City, South Dakota 20,800 Allegiant
9 Billings, Montana 20,370 Allegiant
10 Idaho Falls, ID 19,950 Allegiant

Annual traffic
Annual passenger traffic (enplaned + deplaned) at AZA, 2001 through 2019[17]
Year Passengers Year Passengers
2001000,0002011953,337
2002000,00020121,382,070
2003000,00020131,359,032
2004000,00020141,240,993
2005000,00020151,281,741
2006000,00020161,351,827
2007000,00020171,338,216
2008350,66120181,531,648
2009573,48020191,774,763
2010799,6742020000,000

Future plans

One of the biggest issues at IWA is the increase in passengers since Allegiant Air started operations. IWA did not anticipate this growth within the first year. Due to the increase from 14,588 enplanements in 2007 to 159,481 in 2008, facilities were becoming crowded. To alleviate this problem, extensive renovations and expansions have been completed, adding nearly 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2) of new space within the terminal. This added eight gates since IWA was established in 1994. The Airport broke ground on a final expansion plan in early 2013, to increase gates to ten. However, IWA is running out of real estate on the west side of the airfield, which will bring a halt to expansions until the east terminal facilities are complete.

East Side Terminal plans

In response to the expansion issues, PMGAA has begun planning for a new east terminal. The plan titled, Gateway 2030, was developed in June 2012.[18] The Gateway 2030 plan outlines the process, major findings, and recommendations associated with the cost feasible phasing approach to the development of approximately 700 acres (280 ha) of airport property and the supporting City infrastructure critical to ensure its success" (IWA, 2012b). The plan will be implemented in 4 phases. With the completion of phase one, IWA will be able to accommodate 1.5 million enplanements (3 million passengers). Much of phase one will address much needed access and infrastructure for access to the new terminal. The addition will include access roads, parking, taxiways, aprons capable of Group III and IV aircraft, and the new 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) pier concept terminal. The new terminal will have 14 gates, constructed in such a way to make room for 12 Group III aircraft and two Group IV aircraft.

Phase two has yet to be planned in detail, but will add another pier terminal to the main concourse, adding up to six gates, parking for 10,500 vehicles, and a 1,000 feet (300 m) extension of RW 12L/30R. Phase two will create the ability for IWA to handle 2.2 million enplanements. Phase three for the initial Gateway 2030 plan will add another pier terminal and second level to the main concourse and will create an additional eight gates, a new apron, more parking, and an additional taxiway.

Phase three will focus on privately owned retail, office, and hotel buildings that will be located on airport property. Phase three will allow IWA to accommodate 5 million enplanements.

Phase four will complete the 2030 plan, allowing IWA able to handle 10 million enplanements (20 million passengers) annually with a total of 60 gates and 21,000 vehicle parking spaces. Phase four will likely not be undertaken until 2030 or beyond, making cost estimates nearly impossible.

Due to the changing market, phase two, three, and four are likely to change. Gateway 2030 is estimated to cost more than $1.4 billion.

Ground Transportation

By road, the airport terminal is served by Sossaman Road. Travelers can access Sossaman Road by exiting at either Hawes and Power Road, which are fed by the Arizona State Route Loop 202, and turning onto Ray Road.

There are several taxis, limousine, ride share and shuttle companies to access local hotels, Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus and Mesa Downtown area. Multiple car rental agencies are available inside of the arrival's lobby.[19]

Valley Metro bus route 184 stops at the terminal building before heading north to Mesa.[20]

Travelers can park at the hourly or daily parking lots and walk to the terminal. There is also an economy lot, south of the airfield, which is served by a complimentary shuttle to the main terminal.[21]

Historic landmarks
Williams Air Force Base (now part of Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport) in Mesa, Arizona
(NRHP = National Register of Historic Places)
(MHP = Mesa Historic Properties)
  • Housing Storage Supply Warehouse at Williams Air Force Base (now Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus). The housing supply warehouse was constructed in December 1941 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. The housing supply warehouse is significant for its association with the initial development and construction at Williams Air Force Base which is in the land in which the Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and the Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus are now located. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995. Reference 95000746.
  • Water Tower at Williams Air Force Base (now Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus). The water tower was constructed in the winter of 1941–1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. The water tower possesses the associative quality that connects it to the history of Williams Air Force Base in the land in which Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and the Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus are now located. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995. Reference 95000745.
  • The Flagpole was built in December 1941, the Base Flagpole is significant as an object for its important symbolic and traditional associations with the origins and history of Williams Air Force Base (now Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport). The pole was erected by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places – 1995 Reference 95000744.
  • Marker of the historic flagpole
  • Demountable Hangar located at the North Apron, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport (formally Williams AFB), Mesa, Arizona. Built in 1942 and designed by the Del E. Webb Construction Company to resemble an enlisted aviator badge of the Army Air Force. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, ref. #95000743.
  • Ammo Bunker (S-1007), SW of Vosler Dr. (formerly Alaska Dr.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (Formally Williams AFB), Mesa, Arizona. Built in 1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places ref: 95000748.
  • Ammo Bunker (S-1008), SW of Vosler Dr. (formerly Alaska Dr.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (Formally Williams AFB), Mesa, Arizona. Built in 1942 by the Del E. Webb Construction Company. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places ref: 95000759.
  • Civil Engineering Maintenance Shop also known as S-735, located in Unity Ave. (Jct. of 11th and A Sts.), at Arizona State University at the Polytechnic campus (Formally Williams AFB), Mesa, Arizona. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, ref: #95000747.

See also

References
  1. FAA Airport Form 5010 for IWA PDF effective August 17, 2017, AirportIQ 5010, GCR Inc.
  2. "Airport Authority Approves City of Apache Junction Membership". By Brian Sexton(Primary). Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. July 29, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  3. National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems: 2007–2011, FAA, October 6, 2006
  4. "Allegiant Air announces new base in Phoenix–Mesa", Press release, Allegiant Air, July 31, 2007, archived from the original on October 12, 2007
  5. Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Media Guide (PDF), Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, April 1, 2011
  6. "The Southeast Valley Insider", The Arizona Republic, March 30, 2006
  7. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. "Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport May Get Dumped By Allegiant Air". KJZZ. June 16, 2015.
  9. "Report". bizjournals.com.
  10. "Allegiant Air may depart Gateway airport for Sky Harbor". washingtontimes.com.
  11. "Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to welcome first international flight". January 19, 2017.
  12. "U.S. International Air Passenger and Freight Statistics Report". August 13, 2012.
  13. "Allegiant Announces Major Service Expansion With 15 New, Nonstop Routes, Two New Cities". ir.allegiantair.com. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  14. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/01/12/allegiant-air-flight-expansion-portland-jackson-hole-key-west/6631129002/
  15. "Flights in Phoenix, AZ", Swoop, March 27, 2019 Retrieved on May 21, 2020.
  16. Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix – Mesa Gateway (AZA) Scheduled Services except Freight/Mail, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, United States Department of Transportation, 2019, retrieved May 12, 2020
  17. "Airport Statistics". Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  18. "Gateway 2030: A Vision for the Northeast Area Development" (PDF), Press release, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, June 30, 2012, archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2012
  19. "Transportation - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport". www.gatewayairport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  20. "184 Power Rd | Valley Metro". www.valleymetro.org. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  21. "Parking - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport". www.gatewayairport.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
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