The Aeronautics Division is responsible for the maintenance, operation and improvement of the only active state-owned airport in Arizona, the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

The Grand Canyon National Airport is located in Tusayan, seven miles from the South Rim. The present day facility incorporates the site of the first official Grand Canyon airport, a landing field authorized by the U.S. Forest Service for commercial flights in 1925. The Arizona Department of Aeronautics was instrumental in the acquisition and construction of the airport. The Grand Canyon National Park Airport was originally constructed with funds from the Department of the Interior, the Federal Aviation Administration and the state of Arizona. The new airport first opened for business in October 1965. The airport terminal was completed and formally dedicated on October 20, 1967.

Today, the airport is the third most active air carrier airport in the state, following Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tucson International Airport. Over 40 air taxi and commuter carriers serve the airport. For fiscal years 1999-2000, Grand Canyon National Park Airport’s annual aircraft operations totaled 162,575 with 1,207,817 passengers enplaned and deplaned.

During FY00, the Arizona Legislature created legislation that:

1. Abolished the Grand Canyon Airport Authority effective July 18, 2000.
2. Allowed the Department to lease the airport to a non-profit entity with the requirement that the Department bid the lease out.