Mesa, Arizona — The number of travelers flying through Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Gateway Airport, Airport) continues to break records, with November 2021 marking the busiest November on record for the Airport. Four of the last six months have set records for passenger activity as more air travelers return to the skies. 147,285 passengers came through Gateway Airport in November, an 8% increase over the previous record November set in 2019. The days before and after the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend were also the single busiest days in the history of Gateway Airport, a trend expected to continue this Christmas travel season. 

In November, Allegiant Air launched seven new nonstop routes, Sun Country started service to Minneapolis, and three Canadian airlines – Swoop, Flair, and WestJet – returned for the winter season. Gateway Airport now offers nonstop service to over 60 domestic and international destinations.

“November was an exciting period of growth at Gateway Airport,” J. Brian O’Neill A.A.E., Executive Director/CEO of the Airport. “We are pleased and encouraged that so many new air travelers are discovering the convenience and affordability of using Gateway Airport when they need to travel.”

The peak holiday travel season begins Thursday, December 16th through Monday, January 3rd. Travelers can expect busier than normal roadways, parking lots, and security lines and should plan accordingly.

• Airports have rush hours too. Arrive early and pack accordingly. Peak times for the Airport are generally between 5-7 a.m. and 2-6 p.m. Arrive two hours before your flight for domestic flights. If you are not checking a bag and have your boarding pass, you can go straight to security, saving yourself time.
• Parking lots closest to the terminal fill up. The Ray Road Economy Lot will always have spaces available, and there is a free shuttle service provided each way every 7 minutes. 
• Pack smart by contacting TSA or visiting our What Can I Bring page before you leave home.
• Use Flight Status Page and Cell Phone Lot. Double-check your flight status with your airline before coming to the airport. If you are picking up friends or family, take advantage of the brand-new Cell Phone Lot located on Sossaman Rd south of Ray Rd.

For more information about Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, please visit:www.gatewayairport.com.

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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Ryan Smith, Director of Communications and Government Relations
Phone: 480-988-7617
Email: rsmith@gatewayairport.com