New helicopter landing zones at Superior Municipal Airport are now enabling medevac flights to respond to emergencies directly at the airport, rather than using a local high school parking lot. This development is part of a broader series of improvements to airports across Arizona, supported by funding administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) Aeronautics Group.
Other recent projects include a new taxiway at Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport, which has helped minimize delays and reduce fuel consumption, and upgrades to lighting systems for pilots at Show Low Regional Airport. These initiatives have been funded substantially or entirely through ADOT programs.
The 2026-2030 Transportation Facilities Construction Program from ADOT allocates $138 million out of its $11 billion budget specifically for the Airport Capital Improvement Program. The program is developed in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration and Arizona’s 67 publicly owned and operated airports, including Grand Canyon National Park Airport managed by ADOT.
According to data from 2019, airports in Arizona contributed $59.4 billion to the state economy, supported 386,000 jobs, and generated $20.4 billion in earnings.
“Publicly owned and operated airports in Arizona provide one of the largest flight instruction networks among states and provide a cornerstone for the tourism industry,” said Matthew Munden, ADOT Aeronautics Group Manager. “Community airports also support personal and business travel, medical flights, law enforcement, fire suppression, recreation, agriculture and environmental conservation.”
In Superior, a $500,000 grant administered by ADOT resulted in new helicopter landing areas at the municipal airport. These areas serve not only public safety operations but are also used by private sightseeing flights as well as agencies like the Arizona Game and Fish Department and wildland firefighters.
“We are very proud of the new amenity at our airport, and we hope that they will continue to be a catalyst for future private aviation investment,” said Town Manager Todd Pryor.
Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport received funding from city sources along with federal and state contributions via ADOT for its new taxiway. The project aligns with Falcon Field’s master plan aimed at supporting expected growth.
“This greatly supports the City’s vision to provide a safe, efficient, high quality airport that positively contributes to the advancement of Arizona’s transportation system,” said Airport Director Corinne Nystrom.
ADOT’s program uses taxes and fees on aircraft and aviation fuel as primary sources of state funding. It offers several subprograms: covering half of local sponsors’ share in FAA grants; providing funds that pay between 90%–95% of eligible project costs; assisting major pavement maintenance projects where design administration is handled without charge; and conducting statewide studies related to airport systems.
At Show Low Regional Airport specifically, recent years have seen state-supported investments such as helipad construction design work; replacement runway signs; conversion to LED runway lighting; pavement maintenance; and upgrades for navigational aids like precision approach path indicator lights.
“These improvements are essential to maintaining a safe, efficient and modern airfield,” said Airport Manager Jacob Allen.
