Arizona airport rolls back landing fees

In September, the city implemented changes to the airport rate structure that included landing fees for transient or non-based aircraft. Following the announcement, the city and airport manager began receiving feedback from the general aviation community expressing their concerns.

Airport Manager Cameron Atkins actively worked with AOPA and local pilots to find a solution that benefited most users, the airport, and the city. Atkins presented the proposed changes, which included eliminating landing fees for all aircraft under 4,000 pounds and eliminating landing fees for touch-and-go operations for aircraft over 4,000 pounds, to the Safford City Council in an April 28 meeting. The City Council voted unanimously to adopt the changes.

City officials said they hope this fee rollback has a positive impact on the GA community and shows “the airport’s continued efforts to make the Safford Regional Airport a welcoming ‘Gateway to the Gila Valley!’”

“The city council and Safford airport realize the benefits of general aviation in our community,” Atkins said in a call with AOPA. “While airport costs continue to rise due to inflation and other factors, we were able to roll back the landing fees for the majority of our general aviation users.

“The airport continues to advocate for growth in the general aviation arena, including construction of new T-hangars, the new annual airshow, construction of a new terminal building, and additional amenities and services that are currently in the planning process,” Atkins continued. “We are excited to see what the future holds for the airport and the Safford flying community.”

“AOPA appreciates the City Council's decision,” said AOPA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. “We certainly understand the financial challenges many airports face and our members recognize the willingness of the council to reconsider imposing landing fees on pilots, particularly those imposed by using ADS-B data collection, and how they negatively impact the economic viability of GA airports as well as efficiency and safety. We hope other airports and community leaders will actively work with pilots and use this situation as a good example of mutual cooperation.”