Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: AZA; FAA identifier: IWA/KIWA) is a commercial airport in Mesa, Arizona, serving the Phoenix East Valley and communities such as Gilbert, Chandler, and Queen Creek. The airport was officially renamed from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to Mesa Gateway Airport effective December 17, 2024, although some airline booking systems and older pages still use “Phoenix/Mesa” or the former name.
Quick Answer
As of July 2026, Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) lists two scheduled passenger airlines: Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. Allegiant operates most nonstop routes, while Sun Country service is seasonal. Allegiant acquired Sun Country in May 2026, but the two airlines continue operating separately during integration. Current scheduled AZA passenger service is domestic.
The airport began as a military flying school during World War II and later became Williams Air Force Base. After the base closed in 1993, the site was converted to civilian aviation use. Mesa Gateway Airport is approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix and remains an alternative to the much larger Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Mesa Gateway Airport welcomed 2,036,218 passengers in 2025, the first time it surpassed two million passengers in a calendar year.
Key Takeaways
- Mesa Gateway Airport’s two scheduled passenger airline brands are Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines.
- Allegiant operates the large majority of AZA’s scheduled routes and added La Crosse, Santa Ana/Orange County, and Bloomington/Normal service in February 2026.
- Allegiant completed its acquisition of Sun Country in May 2026, but travelers still book and manage each airline separately while integration continues.
- The airport currently has no scheduled international passenger service. WestJet, Swoop, and Flair previously provided Canadian service.
- Mesa Gateway Airport reported 45 nonstop destinations in January 2026, but the exact route count changes because many flights are seasonal.
- Mesa Gateway Airport is AZA in airline booking systems; Phoenix Sky Harbor is a different airport with the code PHX.
Allegiant Air at Mesa Gateway Airport
Allegiant Air is the dominant scheduled passenger carrier at Mesa Gateway Airport. Its business model centers on low base fares and optional charges for extras such as seat selection, checked bags, and overhead-bin carry-on bags.
Under Allegiant’s current baggage policy, each passenger may bring one personal item at no charge. The maximum personal-item dimensions are 8 × 14 × 18 inches. Standard carry-on and checked bags normally cost extra, and Allegiant says purchasing bags before arriving at the airport can cost less than adding them there.
Allegiant operates a nonstop, point-to-point network rather than a traditional connecting hub. The airline states that it does not offer one-stop or connecting itineraries, so travelers who build their own connection usually need separate reservations and enough time to collect and recheck baggage when required.
Pro Tip: Allegiant routes can be seasonal and may operate only a few days per week. Check the airline’s current route map and schedule before making nonrefundable hotel, rental-car, or connecting-flight plans.
Allegiant expanded its Mesa schedule in February 2026 with three notable routes:
- La Crosse, Wisconsin (LSE): service began February 6, 2026.
- Santa Ana/Orange County, California (SNA): service began February 12, 2026.
- Bloomington/Normal, Illinois (BMI): service began February 13, 2026.
Current Allegiant schedules from Mesa also include destinations across the West, Midwest, and other U.S. regions. Examples appearing in the airline’s 2026 booking system include Provo, Fargo, Rockford, Idaho Falls, Grand Rapids, Sioux Falls, Bellingham, Des Moines, Pasco, Santa Ana, and other cities. Because Allegiant adjusts seasonal service frequently, its official route map is the best source for a specific travel date.
Sun Country Airlines at Mesa Gateway Airport
Sun Country Airlines is the second scheduled passenger airline listed by Mesa Gateway Airport. Its Mesa service is seasonal, so Sun Country flights may not appear on the departure board every day or throughout every month of the year.
Sun Country originally launched scheduled nonstop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport. The airline also operates a substantial charter business nationally for groups, sports teams, government customers, and other organizations, but those charter operations should not be confused with scheduled flights that individual travelers can book from AZA.
Note: Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines on May 13, 2026. The two airlines remain separate operating brands during integration, so passengers should continue using the airline shown on their reservation for check-in, bags, schedule changes, and customer service.
Are Allegiant and Sun Country now the same airline?
They now have the same parent company, but they are not yet functioning as a single airline from a passenger’s point of view. Allegiant completed its acquisition of Sun Country on May 13, 2026.
During the integration period, Allegiant and Sun Country continue to operate independently with their existing schedules, policies, websites, loyalty programs, and customer-service systems. Travelers should therefore treat them as two separate airline brands when booking or managing a trip.
What happened to WestJet, Swoop, and Flair at Mesa Gateway Airport?
Note: Travelers looking for nonstop Canadian flights from Mesa Gateway should not rely on older route guides. The airport’s current scheduled passenger lineup no longer includes its former Canadian airlines.
Mesa Gateway Airport previously had seasonal international service to Canada. Its international history involved more airlines than just WestJet and Swoop. Airport records show that WestJet, Swoop, and Flair Airlines all served Gateway during the 2022 winter travel period.
WestJet provided service between Arizona and Canada, while Swoop and Flair also operated low-cost Canadian routes. Those carriers are no longer part of Mesa Gateway Airport’s current scheduled airline roster. Swoop also ceased to exist as a separate airline after the WestJet Group completed its integration of Swoop into WestJet’s operations in October 2023.
As of July 2026, Mesa Gateway Airport does not list scheduled international passenger service. Current bookable passenger service is through Allegiant and Sun Country within the United States.
Destinations served from Mesa Gateway Airport
Current Airport Snapshot
| Scheduled passenger airlines | Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines |
| Nonstop destinations | Airport reported 45 destinations in January 2026; exact count varies by season |
| Current international service | None currently scheduled |
| Largest carrier | Allegiant Air |
| Passenger airport code | AZA |
| FAA identifier | IWA / KIWA |
In January 2026, Mesa Gateway Airport reported nonstop service to 45 destinations. That figure should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent route count because many Allegiant flights are seasonal and frequencies change throughout the year.
The airport’s network is especially useful for travelers heading between the Phoenix East Valley and smaller or midsize U.S. markets that may have limited nonstop service at larger airlines’ traditional hubs. Allegiant’s 2026 schedule includes cities throughout California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, and other states.
Mesa Gateway Airport vs. Phoenix Sky Harbor
Mesa Gateway Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are different airports. Mesa Gateway uses the airline code AZA, while Phoenix Sky Harbor uses PHX.
That distinction matters when booking rental cars, hotels, rides, or separate flights. The airports are on different sides of the metropolitan area, and a reservation at PHX cannot be treated as though it departs from AZA.
Mesa Gateway is approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix and is particularly convenient for many travelers in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, and other parts of the East Valley.
Amenities and facilities at Mesa Gateway Airport
Mesa Gateway Airport has one passenger terminal, the Charles L. Williams Terminal. The airport’s current FAQ lists 11 gates, helping keep the layout simpler than at a large multi-terminal airport.
Current food, beverage, and retail options listed by the airport include:
- Macayo’s Mexican Food
- O.H.S.O. Brewery
- Panera Bread
- First Jet Market
- Queen Creek Olive Mill
- Saguaro Mercantile
- Trip Advisor
- Coffee options within the terminal
Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal. The airport also provides mother’s rooms, accessibility services, a pet-relief area, and assistance for passengers who need additional support.
Current on-site rental-car brands include Alamo/National, Avis/Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during busy travel periods.
Parking includes hourly, daily, economy, and covered-economy options. The economy lot has a free terminal shuttle. Because parking availability and rates can change, travelers should check the airport’s current parking page before departure.
Tips for flying from Mesa Gateway Airport
Traveling through Mesa Gateway can be straightforward, but the airport’s smaller size should not be a reason to arrive at the last minute.
Plan to arrive about two hours before your scheduled departure. Mesa Gateway’s current travel guidance says the airline recommends arriving two hours early so passengers have enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and TSA screening.
Warning: Many AZA routes operate only a few times per week. Missing a flight can therefore mean a much longer wait than it would at a large hub with frequent departures. Check your flight status before leaving for the airport and leave extra time during holidays and peak travel periods.
Before flying Allegiant, review baggage dimensions and fees carefully. One qualifying personal item is free, but normal overhead-bin carry-on bags and checked luggage generally cost extra. Adding bags in advance may also be less expensive than paying at the airport.
Sun Country passengers should likewise check the airline’s current baggage, check-in, and seasonal schedule rules because Allegiant and Sun Country continue to maintain separate passenger policies during their integration.
Using your airline’s app or website for check-in and flight-status updates can also reduce delays at the terminal. If you are parking in the economy lot, build additional shuttle time into your arrival plan.
Future developments and expansion plans for Mesa Gateway Airport
Mesa Gateway Airport is growing quickly. The airport welcomed 2,036,218 passengers in 2025, setting a new calendar-year record and crossing the two-million-passenger mark for the first time.
The airport’s January 2026 update described more than $130 million in planned airport improvements over the following five years. Current projects include runway reconstruction and improvements to checked-baggage screening capacity.
The airport has also completed a Gateway Tomorrow Eastside Terminal Planning Study. According to the airport’s current master-planning information, the study is intended to guide future decisions about potentially relocating the commercial passenger terminal complex from the west side of the airport to the east side as demand grows.
Non-passenger development is expanding as well. Current airport materials highlight aviation and aerospace companies including Gulfstream, Garmin, Virgin Galactic, Cessna, Embraer, and FlightSafety International. Virgin Galactic has developed facilities at the airport for its Delta-class spacecraft program. Mesa also has a broader aerospace industry presence that includes Boeing activity elsewhere in the region.
For passengers with limited mobility who are preparing for an airport trip, this guide to the best travel scooter may also help with travel planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly into Mesa Gateway Airport?
As of July 2026, Mesa Gateway Airport lists two scheduled passenger airline brands: Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. Allegiant operates most of the airport’s scheduled flights, while Sun Country’s service is seasonal.
Is Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport the same as Mesa Gateway Airport?
Yes. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport was officially renamed Mesa Gateway Airport effective December 17, 2024. The airport still uses the passenger code AZA, and some airline websites continue to display Phoenix/Mesa because the airport serves the greater Phoenix market.
Does Mesa Gateway Airport have international flights?
No scheduled international passenger service is currently listed. WestJet, Swoop, and Flair previously served Canadian routes from the airport, but the current scheduled passenger network is domestic.
Are Allegiant and Sun Country now the same airline?
They have the same parent company after Allegiant completed its acquisition of Sun Country in May 2026, but the airlines continue operating separately during integration. Travelers should still use the airline they booked with for check-in, bags, schedule changes, and customer service.
Are there plans for other airlines to fly into Mesa Gateway Airport?
Mesa Gateway continues to pursue air-service growth and is investing in airport infrastructure, but no additional scheduled passenger airline should be treated as confirmed until the airport or airline announces service. Allegiant and Sun Country are the two scheduled passenger brands currently listed.
What popular destinations are served by Mesa Gateway Airport?
Allegiant serves a broad network of U.S. destinations from Mesa. Current and seasonal examples in 2026 include Provo, Santa Ana/Orange County, Fargo, Rockford, Idaho Falls, Grand Rapids, Des Moines, Sioux Falls, La Crosse, and Bloomington/Normal. Routes and operating days change seasonally, so check the airline’s live schedule for your dates.
Is Mesa Gateway Airport a major airline hub?
No. Mesa Gateway is not a traditional connecting hub. Allegiant operates most scheduled passenger service there, but Allegiant uses a nonstop point-to-point model and does not sell normal connecting itineraries.
Is Mesa Gateway Airport the same as Phoenix Sky Harbor?
No. Mesa Gateway Airport uses the code AZA and is located in Mesa. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport uses the code PHX and is a separate airport closer to central Phoenix. Always check the airport code before arranging transportation or a connecting reservation.
How early should I arrive at Mesa Gateway Airport?
The airport’s current travel guidance says the airline recommends arriving about two hours before scheduled departure. Allow additional time during holidays, busy travel periods, or when using the economy parking shuttle.
Sources
- Mesa Gateway Airport — Official Website — current airport branding, airline information, terminal resources, and traveler information.
- Mesa Gateway Airport — 2025 Passenger Record — 2,036,218 passengers, 45 nonstop destinations, 2026 new routes, and planned infrastructure improvements.
- Allegiant — 2026 Route Expansion — launch dates for La Crosse, Santa Ana/Orange County, and Bloomington/Normal service to Mesa.
- Allegiant — Sun Country Acquisition — confirms completion of the Sun Country acquisition on May 13, 2026.
- Mesa Gateway Airport — Charles L. Williams Terminal — current dining, shopping, Wi-Fi, and terminal amenities.
- Allegiant — Baggage Policy — current personal-item, carry-on, and checked-bag rules.