In 2025, Scottsdale Airport continued its focus on safety, infrastructure, and community partnerships by securing over $1.8 million in federal and state grants to support general aviation growth.
“Scottsdale has not only maintained but also enhanced its reputation as a leading general aviation airport in the nation,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “As aviation evolves, our masterplan ensures we remain a world-class destination and meet the needs of the aviation industry while ensuring safety and efficiency.”
Aviation Director Rick Wielebski noted that Scottsdale Airport is among the busiest single-runway airports in the country, with an estimated annual economic impact of $1.1 billion for Scottsdale. “Our collaborative approach with partners, strategic initiatives and community engagement has strengthened the airport’s role in the region,” he said.
The airport recorded more than 164,000 takeoffs and landings in 2024, with aircraft using about 18 million gallons of fuel. The city continues to adapt to increasing travel demand due to its location near freeways and major events.
Grant funding supported projects such as Gate 1 Bypass Taxilane rehabilitation and Aircraft and Vehicle Gate Improvement Project through two grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and Arizona Department of Transportation totaling over $825,000. The Gate 1 project was completed in December; work on gate improvements will begin in early spring 2026.
Efforts by the aviation department to encourage charter operators to report passenger volume resulted in qualifying for more than $1 million in additional federal grant funding after surpassing a key threshold of 10,000 reported charter passengers.
Flexjet began construction on a new $36 million private terminal at Scottsdale Airport, representing one of the largest recent private investments at the facility. This development is expected to bring economic opportunities and contribute to future growth.
Scottsdale Airport received recognition as Business Airport of the Year for 2025 from Airport Business magazine following construction of the NetJets Maintenance Facility.
The airport is updating its master plan as required by federal regulations to address long-term safety standards and projected demand. Forecasts indicate total operations could rise by nearly three percent annually over two decades; charter passenger growth may reach almost nine percent per year during this period. Currently home to 440 jets, projections suggest this number could increase to 462 by 2044.
Community engagement included hosting movie nights with Volanti Restaurant and Lounge that attracted thousands of attendees while supporting local food drives.
Scottsdale’s blend of Western heritage and cultural activities has contributed to its unique character since its early years (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history). The city operates under a council-manager government structure (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/city-charter) with various departments providing services across parks, recreation areas like Indian Bend Wash (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/docs/default-source/scottsdaleaz/orgchart.pdf?sfvrsn=e36a7e9f_3), public safety recognized nationally (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/recognition), and ongoing population growth—surpassing 202,000 residents by 2000 (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history).
For further information about Scottsdale Airport visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
