Last updated: July 20, 2026
A new landing-fee program approved by the Mesa City Council could charge aircraft operating at Falcon Field Airport a fee each time they land, depending on factors such as the aircraft's weight and whether it is based at the airport.
The City Council approved the new fee structure on March 23, 2026. The landing fees were initially scheduled to take effect on May 1, but implementation was postponed while the airport finalized a third-party flight-tracking and billing system.
The situation has since become more complicated.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised concerns about the proposed fee structure and recommended delaying implementation while it reviews whether the fees are consistent with the City's federal obligations. The FAA has also said the outcome of its review could affect its ability to fund airport projects.
Falcon Field currently anticipates implementing the landing-fee program no later than July 30, 2026. However, with the FAA review and legal challenges still ongoing, the situation remains subject to change.
For pilots, airport users, aviation businesses and anyone following the future of Falcon Field, the question isn’t “What are the new landing fees?”, it is “What has actually been approved, what is still under review and what happens next?”
This article explains the current status of the Falcon Field landing-fee program, what the City of Mesa and FAA have said, and where to find the official documents and latest updates.
What are the new Falcon Field landing fees?
The new program establishes fees for aircraft landing at Falcon Field Airport. The amount depends on factors including the aircraft's maximum landing weight, whether the aircraft is based at Falcon Field and the type of aircraft involved.
Under the adopted schedule, the fees include:
- Based fixed-wing aircraft at or below 6,000 pounds: $20.35 per landing
- Itinerant fixed-wing aircraft at or below 6,000 pounds: $24.35 per landing
- Based fixed-wing aircraft above 6,000 pounds: $3.40 per 1,000 pounds of maximum landing weight
- Itinerant fixed-wing aircraft above 6,000 pounds: $4.10 per 1,000 pounds of maximum landing weight
- Separate fees for rotorcraft, drones and eVTOL aircraft
The adopted fee schedule also includes specific provisions and exemptions. The complete schedule should be consulted for the details applicable to individual aircraft and operations.
The City of Mesa has stated that the new fees are intended to support the operation, maintenance and long-term financial sustainability of Falcon Field Airport.
The City Council approved the fee structure on March 23, 2026, through Resolution No. 12480.
For anyone wanting to understand exactly what was approved, the official resolution and fee schedule are available here.
Why were the landing fees not implemented on May 1?
The landing-fee program was not implemented on the proposed effective date of May 1. Falcon Field announced that the City was finalizing a contract with a third-party vendor to provide the flight-tracking and landing-fee collection system.
The airport subsequently postponed implementation to allow the vendor time to establish the system required to track landings and administer the program.
The airport stated that the projected implementation date would be no later than July 30, 2026, and that it could occur sooner if the system became operational earlier.
The landing-fee implementation date is therefore an important distinction: the fee structure was approved, but the actual collection of landing fees was postponed.
What has the FAA said about the Falcon Field landing fees?
The FAA has raised significant concerns about the new fee structure.
In a letter dated April 13, 2026, the FAA Office of Airport Compliance and Management Analysis recommended that the City of Mesa delay implementation of the landing fees while the FAA reviewed the matter.
The FAA said that complaints had been filed with the agency and that its review would consider the complaints, the City's response, existing facts and documentation, and any additional information that might be required.
The FAA also said that, based on the information available at that time, it had significant concerns that the proposed landing-fee structure may be inconsistent with the City's federal obligations.
Those obligations include requirements connected to federal grant assurances and the federal conveyance of the airport property. The FAA specifically raised concerns about whether the structure could unreasonably interfere with or limit legitimate aeronautical activities.
However, the FAA's letter is a review and investigation notice—not a final determination that the landing fees are unlawful.
The FAA has recommended that implementation be delayed while the review continues.
Could Falcon Field lose FAA funding?
The FAA has not announced that Falcon Field will lose its federal funding.
However, the FAA has indicated that the outcome of its review could affect the agency's ability to fund airport projects. This means that potential implications for future FAA-funded projects are part of the broader issue being examined.
The actual consequences, if any, depend on the outcome of the FAA review. It is therefore too early to say that Falcon Field will lose FAA funding.
What happens next?
Several parts of the situation remain unresolved.
The FAA review continues
The FAA is reviewing complaints and concerns relating to the landing-fee structure. The agency has recommended delaying implementation while that review is completed.
Depending on the findings, the matter could potentially progress through the FAA's formal airport compliance process.
At this stage, there has not been a final FAA decision resolving the issue.
The City of Mesa continues to support the fee program
The City of Mesa has stated that it believes the landing-fee program is lawful and necessary to support Falcon Field's financial needs.
The City has continued preparations for implementing the approved program.
Legal challenges are ongoing
Separate legal challenges have also been filed relating to the landing-fee program.
The FAA review and legal proceedings are separate processes. The outcome of either could affect what happens next.
Where can I find the official Falcon Field landing-fee information?
Because the situation is developing, the best way to follow it is to check the primary sources.
Falcon Field Airport fee information
The official Falcon Field Airport fees and charges page includes the adopted fee schedule, Resolution No. 12480, implementation notices and other related information.
This is the best place to check for updates from the airport itself.
City of Mesa documents
The City of Mesa's official fee notices and council documents provide the public record relating to the proposed and adopted fees. The council report and adopted resolution provide the most detailed information about the fee structure approved by the City Council.
FAA information
The FAA's correspondence provides the federal agency's position on the issues currently under review. The April 13, 2026 letter explains the FAA's concerns and its recommendation that implementation be delayed while the review continues.
We will continue to follow the Falcon Field landing-fee issue
At Desert Wings Flight School, we will continue monitoring official updates relating to Falcon Field and will provide further information when there are significant developments that may be relevant to our students and prospective students.
If you are considering flight training in Mesa, you are welcome to contact us to discuss your goals, the training process and the current costs associated with beginning your pilot training journey.