The Safford Regional Airport has become a critical connector for Graham County residents, allowing them to fly to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. But Safford airport officials say funding is needed to continue the service.
The airport began operating two daily round-trips to Phoenix in January, with $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation and additional funds from the city and Freeport-McMoRan.
But the airport had to cut back to just one daily round-trip and is now asking the city for more than $650,000, citing high costs.
Airport Manager Cameron Atkins spoke at a recent state transportation board meeting.
“Airline service not only connects rural communities to global markets by promoting tourism, it also promotes economic development, which we desperately need in the majority of Arizona's small communities," he said.
Atkins said other locations in Arizona lack this program.
“Most of our airports around the perimeter of the state do not have air service. And there's currently no state leadership to centralize air service development efforts," he said.
Atkins says a group of communities, including Sedona and Kingman, is working to further develop rural airport service.
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United Airlines flight 2078 — a Boeing 737 inbound from Houston — diverted to Luke Air Force Base, landing at 8:49 p.m. due to severe weather. -
Since 9/11, it has become routine for fighter jets to enforce temporary flight restrictions and treat non-responsive aircraft as hostile. The Civil Air Patrol helps certify Air Force pilots for these missions. -
If you find yourself behind the wheel when a dust storm or heavy rain hits, the Arizona Department of Transportation recommends pulling over until visibility improves. -
The concerts will take place over three different days on Valley Metro’s B Line and will feature music from the Phoenix Symphony, the Herberger Theater Center and Rosie’s House, a music academy for children. -
The union that represents Sun Tran bus and streetcar drivers, ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement this week following a union vote in June to authorize a strike.
