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

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The Phoenix ~ In a unanimous decision, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board voted to rename the airport to Mesa Gateway Airport. This change marks a significant milestone in the airport's evolution and better reflects its role in serving the dynamic East Valley region.

The decision to change the name comes after Phoenix's withdrawal from the board and aligns with the airport's strategic vision for the future. "This name change reflects the tremendous growth and economic vitality of the East Valley," stated Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, who also serves as Chair of the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board. She added that with collaborative support from Mesa, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and the Gila River Indian Community, Mesa Gateway Airport is well-positioned to continue serving as a vital transportation asset for the region's 1.5 million residents.

The renaming of Mesa Gateway Airport comes at a time of unprecedented growth for the facility. In FY23, it served nearly 2 million passengers and earlier this year expanded its facilities with a new 30,000-square-foot concourse featuring five additional gates. This expansion demonstrates the airport's commitment to meeting increasing demand.

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Mesa Mayor John Giles expressed his support for the name change, stating that as the 36th largest city in the United States, Mesa has emerged as a hub for innovation and technology in the region. He believes that this new name aligns perfectly with Mesa and the East Valley's growing reputation as a prime location for business investment and development.

The airport's expansion also mirrors the robust tourism sector in the region. In 2023, Mesa welcomed 4.4 million visitors who generated $748.6 million in direct visitor spending and supported over 5,600 jobs. Marc Garcia, President and CEO of Visit Mesa, believes that this renaming marks an exciting new chapter in their tourism story. He stated that having an airport that authentically represents their identity while providing convenient access to a growing number of regional destinations sets the stage for continued tourism growth.

Currently, Mesa Gateway Airport serves 45 nonstop destinations through carriers such as Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. And the airport continues to expand its routes, with Allegiant recently announcing a new route to Colorado Springs starting in February 2025.

The name change to Mesa Gateway Airport is effective immediately, and officials are confident that it will better reflect the airport's role in serving the East Valley region and attract even more visitors to experience all that Mesa and its neighboring cities have to offer.

Filed Under: Government, City

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