AZAUpdated October 20, 2026

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Mesa · United States

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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
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32 km

About the airport

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Illustrative image

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA code: AZA), officially branded as Mesa Gateway Airport, serves as an essential commercial reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, catering to the Greater Phoenix area and the East Valley of Arizona. It primarily operates low-cost domestic flights linking the valley to dozens of leisure destinations across the United States.

Official Website: gatewayairport.com

Telephone: +1 480-988-7600

Social Media:

Terminals

Commercial operations are centered at a single passenger facility, the Charles L. Williams Terminal, housing ticketing, central security screening, baggage reclaim, and departure gates. The terminal features two interconnected concourses (South Concourse, gates 1A–4, and North Concourse, gates 5–10) modernized with glazed pedestrian walkways, expanded gate hold rooms, and open-air courtyards.

Annual passenger traffic (Fiscal Year 2023): 1.918 million passengers.

Information Desks

An information desk staffed by the airport's Aviator Volunteers is situated in Baggage Claim during peak flight hours, assisting travelers with ground transport options, local lodging, and airport amenities.

Location

The airport is located at 6033 South Sossaman Road in southeastern Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona. It is approximately 20 miles (32 km) southeast of downtown Phoenix and about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of central Mesa, accessible via the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway).

TSA security wait times

Estimated wait at the security checkpoints of AZA right now. When live data is not available, it shows historical averages.

Airlines and terminals Commercial flights at Charles L. Williams Terminal are operated by point-to-point low-cost carriers offering direct non-stop domestic routes across the United States: Allegiant Air: primary base… Full guide → Hotels and overnight stay There are no lodging facilities or sleeping pods located inside the passenger terminal. Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (0.9 miles / 1.5 km): on-site… Full guide → Frequently asked questions Scheduled commercial service is operated primarily by Allegiant Air (serving more than 40 nonstop domestic destinations nationwide) and Sun Country Airlines (operating scheduled and seasonal service… Full guide →

Getting to and from AZA

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is positioned 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Phoenix (approx. 30–40 minutes drive) and 12 miles (19 km) from Mesa. Ground transportation services operate right outside the baggage claim exit:

Taxis

Licensed taxis are stationed along the ground transportation curb outside Baggage Claim. Operators including Yellow Cab Arizona and VIP Taxi provide walk-up on-demand service to Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and nearby East Valley communities without advance reservation.

Rideshare Services

Both Uber and Lyft operate at the airport. Designated pickup and drop-off points are located along the terminal curbside immediately adjacent to the arrivals area.

Private Shuttles, Sedans, and Hotel Vans

Pre-arranged door-to-door shuttle and executive sedan providers (such as Airport Shuttle of Phoenix, Sun City Express, and Tucson Stagecoach) must be booked in advance. Local hotels, including Courtyard by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton, offer complimentary airport shuttles for registered guests; contact the property directly to coordinate pickup.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

Motorists picking up arriving passengers can use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot at 5250 S. Sossaman Road, located moments away from the terminal. Vehicles may not be left unattended, and waiting at the terminal curb is strictly prohibited.

Car rental

Car rental services at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport provide a practical way to explore Arizona. Service counters are situated inside the Baggage Claim area:

  • Alamo
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Dollar
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
  • National
  • Thrifty

Following agreement signing at the counter, rental vehicles are picked up in the adjacent Rental Ready Lot, within easy walking distance of the terminal. Rental returns are handled at the dedicated lot at the intersection of Sossaman Road and Texas Avenue.

Requirements for Car Rental

Drivers must generally be at least 21 years old (a young driver surcharge applies to renters under 25), hold a valid driving license, present a passport (for international visitors), and supply a major credit card in the primary renter's name for the security deposit.

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Services and VIP lounges

The Charles L. Williams Terminal features passenger amenities and dining choices created for convenience and comfort:

Finances and Connectivity

  • ATMs: cash dispensers are located both landside and airside within the terminal.
  • Wi-Fi: free high-speed wireless internet connection is provided throughout the entire facility for passengers and visitors.
  • Device charging: electrical outlets and USB charging connections are integrated into gate seating benches.

Dining and Beverages

Dining venues highlight popular regional favorites and well-known brands:

  • O.H.S.O. Brewery: Arizona craft brewery positioned between gates 7 and 8, featuring local beers on tap, American fare, brunch options, and an outdoor patio.
  • Panera Bread: freshly baked sandwiches, soups, crisp salads, pastries, and specialty coffees between gates 5 and 6.
  • First Jet Market: grab-and-go artisan snacks, sandwiches, and refreshments near gate 3.
  • Coffee Shop & Queen Creek Olive Mill: specialty coffees and locally sourced gourmet olive oils in Baggage Claim.
  • Macayo's Mexican Food: traditional Sonoran-style Arizona Mexican cuisine.

Traveler note: Passengers are permitted to take beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails purchased from airport concessions, directly to boarding gates and outdoor courtyards.

Retail and Newsstands

  • Saguaro Mercantile: gifts, regional Arizona souvenirs, branded apparel, packaged snacks, and travel essentials.
  • Tripadvisor Store: news, magazines, books, travel sundries, and beverages.

Luggage Services

Luggage carts are available for rental in the terminal. In accordance with federal aviation security regulations, no luggage storage lockers or left-luggage facilities are available on-site.

Additional Amenities

  • Mother's Rooms: three private nursing rooms sponsored by MomDoc Charities offering comfortable gliders, electrical outlets, and changing stations (located opposite gates 3/4, by gate 5, and in Baggage Claim).
  • Pet relief area: designated outdoor grassy relief area in the south courtyard between gates 4 and 5.
  • Therapy dogs: trained volunteer canine teams stroll through the concourses during peak travel hours to reduce passenger stress.

Parking

The airport provides several on-site parking facilities for both short visits and extended stays, all monitored with security patrols:

Parking Facilities

  • Hourly Lot: located directly in front and west of Charles L. Williams Terminal (accessed via Texas Avenue). Best suited for passenger drop-offs and greetings. Rate: $1.00 USD per 30 minutes.
  • Daily Lot: situated just south of the terminal within easy walking distance. Designed for short-to-mid-term travel. Rate: $1.00 USD per 30 minutes, up to a maximum of $15.00 USD per day.
  • Economy Lot: situated at 7255 East Ray Road, east of Sossaman Road. Lowest rate for extended stays. Rate: $1.00 USD per 30 minutes, up to a maximum of $10.00 USD per day. Features free shuttle bus service running continuously for all scheduled flights (allow 15–20 minutes).
  • Covered Parking (Economy Lot): shaded canopy stalls located within the Economy Lot protecting vehicles from intense sun. Rate: $1.00 USD per 30 minutes, up to a maximum of $11.00 USD per day.
  • Cell Phone Lot: located at 5250 South Sossaman Road. Free waiting area for motorists meeting arriving flights. Unattended vehicles are prohibited.

Key Parking Details

  • Payment options: major credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and mobile ticket QR payments are supported. Cash is accepted at terminal pay stations and at Economy Lot bus stops 1 and 5.
  • Grace period: drivers have a 30-minute grace window to exit after paying at a walk-up station.
  • Lot status updates: real-time parking notifications are available by texting GATPRK to 888-777.

Check official parking rates and map

Special assistance

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring barrier-free navigation for all travelers:

Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers requiring wheelchair support, escort services, or assistance boarding should coordinate with their carrier (Allegiant or Sun Country) at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Accessibility Infrastructure

  • Physical access: level sidewalk access, wide concourses, accessible unisex companion care restrooms, and automatic sliding entryways.
  • Hearing Loop System: installed throughout the South Concourse (gates 1A–4), transmitting airport audio announcements directly to telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants.
  • Service animals: a dedicated outdoor animal relief area is situated in the south courtyard between gates 4 and 5.
  • Nursing mothers: clean, private lactation rooms available in Baggage Claim and near boarding concourses.

Accessible Parking

Designated accessible parking stalls are provided in the Daily Lot adjacent to the terminal and in the Economy Lot next to each shaded bus shelter. Economy shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

Hearing Accessibility and Hearing Loops

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport features an induction Hearing Loop system installed throughout the South Concourse (gates 1A–4), broadcasting public address announcements directly to T-coil compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants. High-contrast visual flight information display screens and clear directional signage are also placed throughout the passenger terminal.

Service Animals and Lactation Rooms

Travelers accompanied by service animals can access a dedicated outdoor pet relief area in the south courtyard between gates 4 and 5. For nursing mothers and families, three private Mother's Rooms sponsored by MomDoc Charities provide comfortable glider seating, power outlets, and diaper changing tables (located opposite gates 3/4, next to gate 5, and in Baggage Claim).

TSA Cares and ADA Airport Coordination

Passengers requiring specialized assistance at the security checkpoint can connect with the TSA Cares helpline at least 72 hours prior to flying. In addition, airport Aviator Volunteers are stationed in Baggage Claim to guide arriving travelers, and the airport's official ADA Coordinator can be reached at +1 480-988-7632 or by email at [email protected].

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