Mesa-Gateway Airport planning $1.4 billion expansion

MESA, AZ - Despite a down economy, business is booming for Mesa-Gateway Airport. To keep up with demand, a $1.4 billion expansion was announced at the Airport Authority's Board of Directors meeting Monday.

In 2011, 956,665 passengers traveled through Mesa-Gateway, making it one of the fastest growing airports in the U.S.

Traffic is expected to exceed 1 million passengers in 2012.

Airport officials predict that in just two years, the airport's west side will be at full capacity.

The project, called "Gateway 2030", will be completed in four phases. Once construction is complete, airport officials expect the airport to accommodate 20 million passengers annually. A total of 60 gates will be built, along with 21,000 parking spaces.

“Airport staff recognizes that we are stewards of an incredible community asset and we’re working hard to make it the best it can be,” said Airport Authority executive director, Lynn Kusy. “The Gateway 2030 project represents a significant step in achieving the Airport’s potential as it outlines the critical steps needed to meet forecast passenger demand.”

Construction will be funded in part by the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. An additional $385 million will be raised privately to build two hotels and 2.5 million square feet of office and retail space.