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) starting July 30, which uniquely apply to small aircraft after 10 free monthly landings, intended to generate $2.6 million annually for airport operations.
The FAA has warned Mesa that this fee structure may unreasonably limit legitimate aeronautical activities, conflict with federal obligations, and is initiating an investigation into the city's approach.
Flight schools argue the fees are a tactic to reduce flight training traffic due to noise complaints, warning they will significantly increase training costs and slow pilot progress, while AOPA has called for a stay and an economic impact analysis.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.