Mesa Gateway Airport
Mesa, United States

Mesa Gateway Airport
Phoenix metro's low-cost gateway in the East Valley.
- ›Originally opened as Williams Air Force Base in 1941 and used for U.S. Air Force pilot training.
- ›Williams AFB closed in 1993 and was subsequently converted to civilian airport use.
- ›The airport is operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.
- ›Serves as a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
- ›Located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, closer to Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert residents.
Mesa Gateway Airport, formerly Williams Gateway Airport, is a public airport located in Mesa, Arizona, southeast of downtown Phoenix. Originally a military airfield known as Williams Air Force Base, it was converted to civilian use in the 1990s and has since grown into a regional commercial hub. The airport serves as a key alternative to Phoenix Sky Harbor, offering a quieter, less congested travel experience with low-cost carrier service.
- Main Terminal — A single modern terminal handling all commercial and general aviation operations with standard amenities and security checkpoints.
- Rental car agencies available on-site including Hertz, Enterprise, and National
- Rideshare services Uber and Lyft operate at the airport
- Taxi service available at the arrivals curb
- Valley Metro bus routes connect to the broader Phoenix metro area
- Private shuttle services available to downtown Mesa and Scottsdale
- Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Chandler
- Hampton Inn & Suites Gilbert
- Holiday Inn Express Mesa
- Residence Inn Phoenix Gilbert
Inside the terminal, food and beverage options are limited but include a café and basic grab-and-go snack outlets suited for short layovers. The surrounding Mesa and Gilbert area offers a wide range of restaurants, fast food chains, and Southwest cuisine within a short drive. Travelers are advised to eat before arriving or plan for limited in-terminal choices.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as the terminal, though smaller, can experience security delays during peak Allegiant travel times.
- Parking is affordable and generally easy to find, with both short-term and long-term lots directly adjacent to the terminal.
- The airport primarily serves Allegiant Air, so check the airline's baggage policies carefully before packing.
- Temperatures in the Phoenix metro area frequently exceed 110°F in summer — stay hydrated and use covered walkways wherever possible.
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
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Mesa Gateway Airport – also known as Phoenix–Mesa Airport – is an airport in southeastern Mesa, Arizona, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Phoenix, in Maricopa County. The airport, owned and operated by the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, is a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It is a base for Allegiant Air.
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