Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board Votes to Rename Airport, Reflecting Regional Growth and Identity

Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board Votes to Rename Airport, Reflecting Regional Growth and Identity

The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board voted today to rename the airport to Mesa Gateway Airport, marking a significant milestone in the facility's evolution and reflecting its role in serving the dynamic East Valley region. The name change follows Phoenix's withdrawal from the board and better aligns with the airports strategic vision for the future.

"This name change reflects the tremendous growth and economic vitality of the East Valley,"said Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, 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."

The decision comes at a time of unprecedented growth for the airport, which served nearly 2 million passengers in FY23. 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'sgrowing 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."

The airport's expansion mirrors the region'srobust tourism sector. 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. "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 currently 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.

The name change to Mesa Gateway Airport is effective immediately.