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:

Mesa City Council unanimously approved new landing fees at Falcon Field (KFFZ) to cover $2.6 million in projected annual expenses and fund long-deferred maintenance and capital improvements.
The decision followed a contentious debate, with supporters arguing airport users should bear the costs instead of taxpayers, and some residents citing concerns over increased airport traffic.
Airport users, particularly flight schools, opposed the fees, warning they would significantly increase student costs, potentially force businesses to relocate, and damage the airport's business ecosystem.
The new fees, effective May 1, include charges such as $20.35 per landing for based aircraft (with the first 10 monthly landings exempt) and $24.35 for itinerant fixed-wing aircraft below 6,000 pounds.

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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.