Mesa Gateway posts back-to-back records as Allegiant adds winter flights

Allegiant Air will add 39 round-trip flights this winter at Mesa Gateway Airport, restoring and expanding service just months after the carrier trimmed schedules nationwide in response to high fuel costs.

The announcement comes as the airport rides a wave of demand.

Mesa Gateway set its second straight passenger record last fiscal year, topping two million, according to the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.

Allegiant, the airport’s largest carrier, had cut summer and fall service across its network this year, part of an industry pullback driven by higher fuel prices.

“As airlines trimmed capacity nationwide, Gateway Airport posted record numbers in almost every major operational performance category,” airport authority executive director J. Brian O’Neill said in a statement.

The airport is also poised to pick up a new ground transportation option. Waymo announced it plans to extend autonomous ride-hailing service to Mesa Gateway as part of a 55-square-mile expansion into Gilbert, Chandler and the San Tan Ranch area.

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, who chairs the airport authority board, said the results reflect shifting traveler habits.

“Air travelers have made Mesa Gateway Airport their airport of choice,” Freeman said.

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