Mesa, Arizona, January 27, 2026

Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona has reached a significant milestone by welcoming over 2 million passengers, marking a nearly 8% increase in travel demand. This achievement underscores the airport’s growing importance in the Phoenix metropolitan area and highlights a robust regional economy driven by strategic investments and entrepreneurial spirit. The airport has been instrumental in job creation and economic development, showcasing its transformation from a military base to a vital civilian aviation center.

Mesa, Arizona

Gateway Soars: Mesa Airport Hits 2 Million Passengers

The Phoenix-area facility marks a significant milestone in 2025, showcasing robust regional growth and the power of entrepreneurial spirit and strategic development.

The consistent growth of Mesa Gateway Airport stands as a testament to the dynamic economic environment fostered in the Phoenix metropolitan area. This achievement reflects not only increased demand for travel but also the foresight and strategic investments that have transformed a former military base into a bustling commercial hub. The dedication of local leaders and private enterprises to cultivating an atmosphere ripe for expansion has been instrumental in this success, demonstrating how focused development and a commitment to accessibility can drive substantial economic benefits for an entire region. This milestone underscores the enduring spirit of innovation that characterizes Phoenix AZ business and its surrounding communities.

The remarkable journey of Mesa Gateway Airport, transitioning from Williams Air Force Base to a vital civilian aviation center, highlights the adaptability and vision inherent in Arizona’s economic development strategies. By embracing private sector partnerships and fostering an environment conducive to growth, the airport has become a powerful economic engine, directly impacting job creation and contributing significantly to the regional economy. This trajectory exemplifies the positive outcomes that can emerge when strategic planning meets entrepreneurial drive, creating lasting value for residents and businesses alike.

Record-Breaking Passenger Numbers Drive Regional Growth

In 2025, Mesa Gateway Airport achieved a significant milestone by serving over 2 million passengers. This represents a nearly 8% jump over its previous record, highlighting a substantial increase in air travel demand through the facility. The airport experienced its busiest month in history in March 2025, welcoming a record-breaking 261,536 total passengers, a 24% increase from March 2024. Eight of the past ten months set year-over-year records for passenger numbers. This surge in activity underscores Mesa Gateway Airport’s role as an increasingly vital component of the greater Phoenix area’s transportation infrastructure and a key driver of Midlands economic growth.

A Hub of Economic Impact and Innovation

Mesa Gateway Airport is a significant contributor to Arizona’s economy, generating an estimated $1.8 billion annually for the state. The airport’s 3,000-acre campus hosts more than 70 innovative businesses and supports over 10,000 jobs, particularly in the aerospace sector. Companies such as Textron Aviation, Embraer, Able Aerospace Services, Gulfstream, and Virgin Galactic have established a presence at Gateway. The airport’s strategic location, with access to Loop 202 and State Route 24, along with its robust infrastructure, including three parallel runways, makes it an attractive destination for businesses.

The wider Phoenix Airport System, encompassing Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley, and Phoenix Goodyear airports, created a total economic impact of $44.3 billion in 2022. This system supported 245,373 jobs in the regional economy, with $14.8 billion in labor income. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport alone was responsible for $15.7 billion in direct output in 2022.

Strategic Development and Infrastructure Investment

The airport’s growth is not accidental but a result of strategic planning and continuous investment in infrastructure. Over the years, Mesa Gateway Airport has transformed from the former Williams Air Force Base, which closed in 1993, to a successful commercial airport. The facility reopened as Williams Gateway Airport in March 1994, with subsequent updates to its master plan in 1999 and 2008.

Anticipating increased demand, the airport has undergone significant expansions. In 2024, a new 30,000-square-foot concourse with five passenger gates was opened to accommodate the growing volume of travelers. Further, a $130 million investment by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. for a new service center at Mesa Gateway Airport represents the largest private investment at the facility to date. This facility opened in January 2025. This focus on development is critical for sustaining the economic momentum and serving the increasing number of travelers and businesses.

Fostering a Business-Friendly Environment

Arizona’s approach to economic development, which includes offering various tax credits and financial incentives, has played a role in attracting businesses to areas like Mesa Gateway. Qualifying companies can benefit from programs such as the Military Reuse Zone Program, offering transaction privilege tax exemptions and reclassification to a lower property tax rate. Such initiatives demonstrate a commitment to limited regulation, encouraging private investment and fostering an environment where Arizona AZ entrepreneurs can thrive.

The area surrounding Mesa Gateway Airport is well-suited for various industries, including large, heavy manufacturing operations. It hosts major manufacturers such as CMC Steel, Bridgestone, FUJIFILM, CRM Rubber, ZF Lifetec, and Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals. The Mesa Gateway Area also benefits from an expedited entitlement process through its EO Floating Zone. The presence of educational institutions like Arizona State University Polytechnic, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and East Valley Institute of Technology in the Gateway Area ensures a talented workforce.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

The expansion of Mesa Gateway Airport has a tangible impact on the local community, creating jobs and stimulating growth in surrounding neighborhoods. The airport’s mission explicitly states its aim to be a major catalyst for continued job growth in the Phoenix East Valley. Local organizations and government bodies actively engage in strategic planning to support economic development, demonstrating how community involvement can contribute to a robust economy.

The aviation industry across Arizona is a significant economic catalyst, contributing over $121 billion in economic activity statewide in 2019 and supporting 575,826 jobs. Continued investment in aviation infrastructure is seen as vital for the state’s ongoing strength and economic diversity. The growth at Mesa Gateway Airport is a microcosm of this larger trend, indicating a bright future for Phoenix small business and large enterprises alike, as the region continues to attract investment and foster a pro-growth environment.

Conclusion

Mesa Gateway Airport’s achievement of 2 million passengers in 2025 is a clear indicator of Phoenix’s robust economic health and the effectiveness of policies that support entrepreneurial innovation and strategic infrastructure development. This milestone not only highlights the airport’s success but also its pivotal role in the region’s prosperity, creating jobs, attracting investment, and connecting the community to broader economic opportunities. As the airport continues its growth trajectory, it reinforces the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment and collaborative community efforts. We encourage our readers to recognize and support the local businesses that benefit from and contribute to this vibrant economic landscape, ensuring continued growth for the Phoenix AZ business community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the significance of Mesa Gateway Airport reaching 2 million passengers in 2025?

Mesa Gateway Airport reaching 2 million passengers in 2025 signifies a major milestone for the Phoenix-area facility, reflecting robust regional growth and a substantial increase in air travel demand.

How much economic impact does Mesa Gateway Airport contribute annually to Arizona’s economy?

Mesa Gateway Airport contributes an estimated $1.8 billion annually to Arizona’s economy.

What was the percentage increase in passenger traffic for Mesa Gateway Airport over its previous record?

The latest passenger numbers for Mesa Gateway Airport represent nearly an 8% jump over its previous record.

What types of businesses are located at Mesa Gateway Airport?

Mesa Gateway Airport hosts more than 70 businesses, particularly in the aerospace sector, including companies like Textron Aviation, Embraer, Able Aerospace Services, Gulfstream, and Virgin Galactic.

What infrastructure improvements have supported the airport’s growth?

The airport has undergone significant infrastructure improvements, including the opening of a new 30,000-square-foot concourse with five passenger gates in 2024, and a $130 million private investment for a new service center by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. in January 2025.

What is the total economic impact of the broader Phoenix Airport System?

The broader Phoenix Airport System, which includes Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley, and Phoenix Goodyear airports, created a total economic impact of $44.3 billion in 2022.

What is the historical background of Mesa Gateway Airport?

Mesa Gateway Airport was originally Williams Air Force Base, which closed in 1993, and reopened as Williams Gateway Airport for civilian operations in March 1994.

How does Arizona encourage business growth in areas like Mesa Gateway?

Arizona encourages business growth by offering various tax credits and financial incentives, such as the Military Reuse Zone Program, which provides transaction privilege tax exemptions and lower property tax rates for qualifying aviation and aerospace companies.

Key Features of Mesa Gateway Airport’s 2025 Milestone

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.