New helicopter landing zones have been established at Superior Municipal Airport, allowing medevac flights to respond to emergencies without relying on a high school parking lot. Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport has added a new taxiway designed to reduce delays and fuel consumption. At Show Low Regional Airport, pilots now benefit from upgraded precision approach indicators and runway end identifier lights.
These projects are part of broader improvements across Arizona airports, made possible largely through funding administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) Aeronautics Group. The state’s 2026-2030 Transportation Facilities Construction Program allocates $138 million for the Airport Capital Improvement Program out of an $11 billion total budget. This program is developed in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and Arizona’s 67 publicly owned and operated airports, including the ADOT-operated Grand Canyon National Park Airport.
In 2019, airports contributed significantly to Arizona’s economy, generating $59.4 billion in economic activity, supporting 386,000 jobs, and producing $20.4 billion in earnings.
Matthew Munden, ADOT Aeronautics Group Manager, said: “Publicly owned and operated airports in Arizona provide one of the largest flight instruction networks among states and provide a cornerstone for the tourism industry. Community airports also support personal and business travel, medical flights, law enforcement, fire suppression, recreation, agriculture and environmental conservation.”
Superior received a $500,000 grant from ADOT that funded new helicopter landing areas at its airport. These facilities not only enhance public safety by eliminating the need for medevac landings at local schools but are also used by private sightseeing operators as well as agencies like the Arizona Game and Fish Department and wildland firefighters.
Town Manager Todd Pryor commented: “We are very proud of the new amenity at our airport, and we hope that they will continue to be a catalyst for future private aviation investment.”
At Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, city funds combined with federal and state resources managed by ADOT enabled construction of a taxiway connecting different parts of the airport—a key component in accommodating future growth outlined in its master plan.
Airport Director Corinne Nystrom stated: “This greatly supports the City’s vision to provide a safe, efficient, high quality airport that positively contributes to the advancement of Arizona’s transportation system.”
The Airport Capital Improvement Program aims to stretch state dollars for development while leveraging FAA grants. Funding comes primarily from taxes on aircraft operations and aviation fuel sales. The program covers up to half of project sponsors’ share for FAA grants; provides between 90%–95% coverage for eligible project costs; offers assistance with major pavement maintenance; and conducts statewide system studies.
Show Low Regional Airport has benefited from this program through funding for helipad construction design work as well as upgrades such as energy-efficient LED lighting systems.
“These improvements are essential to maintaining a safe, efficient and modern airfield,” said Airport Manager Jacob Allen.
