A federal lawsuit alleges Mesa acted illegally to implement landing fees at Falcon Field airport.
The lawsuit was filed by two flight schools — CAE Aviation Academy and Thrust Flight Properties — that offer classes out of Falcon Field.
The lawsuit alleges Mesa violated several laws, including city code and the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, by implementing landing fees.
The city says the intention of the landing fees is to fund the airport, but the schools allege the landing fees disproportionately target flight schools in order to reduce traffic and noise at the airport.
According to court documents, the schools are asking the court to prevent the enforcement of the fees.
The Mesa City Council voted to approve the fees on March 23. The fees are scheduled to take effect July 30.
In a statement, Mesa said the lawsuit lacks legal merit and does not justify delaying the landing fee program.
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