FAA Weighs In on Falcon Field Landing Fees

Agency cites possible violation of grant assurances and safety concerns.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, June 08, 2026 at 05:07 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Falcon Field Airport [Courtesy: Falcon Field Airport]

Key Takeaways:

Mesa, Arizona, is implementing new landing fees at Falcon Field (KFFZ) beginning July 30, which apply to lighter aircraft after 10 free monthly landings and are projected to generate $2.6 million annually for airport operations.
The FAA has warned Mesa that the unique fee structure may unlawfully interfere with legitimate aeronautical activities, citing potential conflicts with federal obligations and a broader impact on regional flight training traffic, and is currently investigating the matter.
Flight schools and stakeholders contend the fees are designed to curb flight training traffic due to noise complaints, warning they will significantly increase training costs and slow pilot progression, while AOPA has requested a stay on the fees and opposes the use of ADS-B data for collection.

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The FAA is warning the city of Mesa, Arizona, about potential problems created by the implementation of landing fees at city-run Falcon Field (KFFZ). In March the Mesa City Council voted to adopt a landing fee for all aircraft, and the fees are slated to go into effect on July 30.

Many airports have landing fees for aircraft that are weight based, for example 6,000 pounds. Smaller aircraft such as light trainers are usually exempt from the landing fees. That would not be the case at Falcon Field.