Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA code AZA, but FAA code IWA), known until 2024 as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, is a small international airport located in southeastern Mesa, Arizona. In this guide, we will use its IATA code (AZA) or its new name to refer to it.
The airport is 20 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix, in Maricopa County.
In 2024, the airport handled nearly 2 million passengers, serving as a reliever airport for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and a base for Allegiant Air.
Major Airlines - Allegiant Air
Nearly all scheduled flights at Mesa Gateway Airport are operated by Allegiant Air. This American ultra-low-cost carrier connects AZA to 45 destinations across the United States.
To see a full list of those destinations, click here.
The other 2% of flights are currently served by Sun Country Airlines as seasonal flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul.
In May 2025, Avelo Airlines established a base at AZA to operate deportation flights under a long-term charter agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This move has sparked controversy and public backlash.
Terminal Layout and Gates of AZA
The airport has 1 terminal called the Charles L. Williams Terminal. It features 10 passenger gates and remains open 24/7.
Wi-Fi at Mesa Gateway Airport
Mesa Gateway Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The SSID is currently "Gateway Free Wi-Fi," although it has changed a few times over the last few years.
Connection is straightforward - just select the network, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Dining Options at Mesa Gateway
AZA is a relatively small airport and has a relatively small number of dining options. Nonetheless, you can grab a coffee, have a meal and a drink, and purchase snacks before your flight, so all bases are covered.
Here’s what you can expect:
First Jet Market: A convenience store near Gate 2 that offers locally sourced gourmet treats, freshly brewed coffee, and snacks.
Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters: A locally owned café near Gate 5. This is its first airport location.
Macayo's Mexican Food: Serves handcrafted Mexican cuisine near Gate 5.
O.H.S.O. Brewery: Try some craft tap beers and combine with any of the salads or burgers. It’s between Gates 7 and 8.
Panera Bread: Everything with bread - you can find it here. Plus soups, salads, and pastries. It’s between Gates 6 and 7.
TripAdvisor Store: Best for gifts before you fly away. Find it near Gate 5.
Transport to and from Mesa Gateway Airport
Owing to the lack of public transport links, most passengers arrive at AZA (and by extension leave) using a taxi, a ride-sharing car, a shuttle, or their own (or rented) vehicle.
Only Valley Bus 184 stops at the airport. It then follows Power Rd north to the Mountain View area of Mesa, where the service ends.
Taxis are located curbside outside of baggage claim. A trip to Mesa costs around 20-25 USD, whereas a ride to downtown Phoenix will set you back approximately 60 USD.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber, Lyft, Turo, and HUM Rideshare operate at designated pickup points and charge comparable, pre-determined prices.
Sedans, limos, and shuttle service must be pre-arranged. Click here for information about private shuttles.
Several rental car agencies rent out cars at the terminal: Alamo National, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise Rent-a-car, to name a few.
Parking at AZA
There are several parking lots at or near Mesa Gateway Airport. They are summarized in the following table:
Parking Name | Location | Rate | Max Daily Rate | Notes |
Hourly Parking | Just west of the terminal, entrance via Texas Ave | $1 per half-hour | N/A | Best for short-term parking |
Daily Lot | South of the terminal | $1 per half-hour | $13 | Good for overnight parking, walkable distance to the terminal |
Economy Lot | 7255 E Ray Rd, east of Sossaman Rd | $1 per half-hour | $9 | Free shuttle to the terminal, suitable for long-term stays |
Covered Parking | Inside the Economy Lot | $1 per half-hour | $11 | Premium covered spaces with a shuttle included. |
Cell Phone Lot | 5250 S Sossaman Rd, just south of Ray Rd | Free | N/A | For active pickup only, no unattended vehicles. Wait in this lot before going curbside to pick up passengers. |
A free shuttle service operates between the Economy Lot and the terminal, beginning two hours before departures.
You can pay cash or card at any of these parking lots. You have a 30-minute grace period after paying, within which you need to exit the lot.
Hotels near Mesa Gateway Airport
There are no hotels directly at the terminal or within the airport premises.
However, three hotels stand out for their proximity to AZA. All of them offer a free shuttle to and from the Charles L. Williams Terminal:
Four Points by Sheraton: A 3-star hotel just 1.5 miles from the terminal. Suitable for those who enjoy quiet luxury and comfort.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: Situated about 2.5 miles from the terminal, this 3-star hotel is a staple in the hospitality industry with its comfortable rooms and free filling breakfast.
Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport: A newer, modern 3-star hotel about 2 miles from the terminal.
A lot more hotels await you in Phoenix and Mesa, so if distance to the airport is not a primary concern, they may be worth checking out.
Mesa, AZ, USA
