Regional service needs $655,000 to stay in the air
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD — The Safford City Council will convene Monday night to address a pivotal proposal to extend airline service at Safford Regional Airport – 1LT Duane Spalsbury Field, through July 2026. The work session will focus on allocating $655,000 from the Economic Development Fund, including $455,000 from the General Fund, to sustain commercial flights operated by Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The council meets at the Safford City-Graham County Library at 808 S. 7th Ave., starting at 6 p.m.
According to white sheet notice to the council by Safford Regional Airport Director Cameron Atkins, since launching in January 2025, the air service has been a lifeline for the Gila Valley, connecting residents, businesses, and tourists to over 120 domestic and 25 international destinations via Phoenix. Funded initially by a $900,000 grant package—$800,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program and $100,000 from the Freeport-McMoRan Community Foundation, plus a $150,000 city match—the service has seen steady passenger growth. However, higher-than-expected costs have depleted 77% of the funds, leaving just $95,000 as of Aug 1.
To stretch remaining resources, the flight schedule was cut to seven weekly round-trips starting Aug. 1, reducing monthly expenditures from $86,400 to approximately $56,673 after accounting for $18,000 in projected ticket revenue. Despite this, an additional $750,000 is needed to maintain service through July 2026. A pending $200,000 United Way grant could offset part of the city share, lowering it from $655,000 to $455,000, with the remaining $95,000 drawn from existing funds. However, council approval is critical to bridge the gap.
The stakes are high. According to Atkins’ report, air service has bolstered Safford’s economic prospects, supporting major employers like Freeport-McMoRan and attracting tourists to regional attractions such as the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. Atkins’ report advised air connectivity is essential for economic development, tourism, and community retention in rural Arizona, where 76% of the state’s population resides in Phoenix or Tucson. Studies from states like Kansas and Wyoming highlight significant economic returns from air service subsidies, with an average $40 return per $1 invested.
Additionally, there are efforts to secure long-term funding through a consortium of Arizona airports, including Sedona, Yuma, and Flagstaff, lobbying for a state air service program. If successful, this could provide subsidies starting in July 2026, aligning with Arizona’s FY26/27 budget. However, without interim funding, the service risks termination, jeopardizing seven months of momentum and a growing customer base.
The council’s decision will determine whether Safford can sustain this vital link until state support materializes. Approval would allow an 18-month trial to stabilize demand, while denial could halt service by fall, jeoparding economic and connectivity gains. The meeting is set to shape the future of air travel in the Gila Valley.
