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's Falcon Field (KFFZ) is implementing new landing fees for all aircraft, including small trainers, to generate revenue for airport operations, with collection slated to begin in August 2026.
The FAA has warned Mesa that the proposed fee structure may violate federal obligations, unreasonably interfere with legitimate aeronautical activities (particularly flight training), and is now under investigation.
Flight schools and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) argue the fees will significantly increase flight training costs and suspect they are a measure to reduce traffic due to noise complaints, while Mesa officials defend the fees as legal and vital for the airport's financial sustainability.

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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.