Mesa Approves Landing Fees at Falcon Field

Measure was opposed by many airport users, including flight schools.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona [Credit: Falcon Field Airport]

Key Takeaways:

The Mesa City Council unanimously approved new landing fees for Falcon Field (KFFZ) to cover $2.6 million in projected annual expenses and address deferred maintenance, as previous funding sources are depleted.
The decision followed a contentious debate, with supporters arguing airport users should fund its operations instead of taxpayers, and nearby residents citing diminished quality of life from increased air traffic.
Opponents, primarily flight schools and airport businesses, warned that the per-landing fees (ranging from $20.35 to $24.35 for aircraft under 6,000 lbs, with a 10-landing monthly exemption for based aircraft) would significantly increase training costs and threaten their businesses.
The new fees are set to go into effect on May 1.

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The city council of Mesa, Arizona, voted unanimously Monday to approve new landing fees at Falcon Field (KFFZ), settling for now a contentious debate that divided area residents and airport users.

According to KSAZ-TV in Phoenix, the vote followed close to two hours of public comment on the landing fee proposal. Those in favor argued that airport users, not taxpayers, should foot the bill for Falcon Field’s maintenance and capital improvements. Some supporters who live near the airport also cited what they described as a diminished quality of life from an increase in traffic there over time.