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), which apply to small aircraft after 10 free monthly landings, with the city stating the fees are for airport financial sustainability.
The FAA has issued a warning to Mesa, indicating that the landing fee structure may unreasonably interfere with legitimate aeronautical activities, conflict with federal obligations, and is currently under investigation.
Aviation stakeholders, including flight schools and AOPA, argue the fees will significantly increase flight training costs, potentially aiming to reduce noise complaints, and could lead to traffic shifting and saturation at other regional airports.

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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.