Tucson is a beautiful city in the U.S. state of Arizona surrounded by natural beauty including the nearby Santa Catalina Mountains, and Saguaro National Park. The city features over 300 days of sunshine every year and is known for various outdoor recreational activities.
The city of Tucson is home to several airports ranging from large commercial to smaller general aviation airfields. In this informative blog, we will explore all the airports in Tucson with their location, infrastructure, facilities, services, airlines, destinations, and more.
If you’re planning to travel to the city soon, you can refer to this blog to find out more about the airports in Tucson city.
Table of Contents
What are the major airports in Tucson?
There are various airports in Tucson including the primary international airport, and other smaller airfields. Tucson International Airport (TUS) is the only international airport in the city that offers non-stop flights to several destinations.
Other airports in the city include Marana Regional Airport (AVQ), and Ryan Field (RYN), both specializing in general aviation, and aviation-related businesses.
Now, let’s explore all these airports in detail.
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Tucson Int’l Airport (ICAO: KTUS, IATA: TUS, FAA LID: TUS) is the primary international airport in Tucson located 8 miles south of downtown Tucson in Pima County, Arizona. The airport is owned by the City of Tucson, and operated by the Tucson Airport Authority.
TUS is the focus airport for Flair Airlines and serves Tucson, the second-largest city in Arizona. This airport also operates Ryan Airfield (a public-use airport in Tucson).
A total of 7 passenger airlines and 4 cargo carriers operate regular commercial flights to and from the TUS Airport connecting to various domestic, and international destinations.
TUS Airport Infrastructure
Tucson Int’l Airport covers a total area of 7,938 acres (3,212 ha), and features 3 asphalt runways (RWY 11L/29R, RWY 11R/29L, and RWY 3/21) along with 3 asphalt Helipads (H1, H2, and H3.
| RUNWAYS/HELIPADS AT TUS AIRPORT | DIMENSION | SURFACE |
| RWY 11L/29R | 10,996 ft by 150 ft(3,352 m by 46 m) | Asphalt |
| RWY 11R/29L | 8,408 ft by 75 ft (2,563 m by 46 m) | Asphalt |
| RWY 3/21 | 7,000 ft by 150 ft(2,134 m by 46 m) | Asphalt |
| Helipad H1 | 100 ft by 100 ft | Asphalt |
| Helipad H2 | 60 ft by 60 ft | Asphalt |
| Helipad H3 | 60 ft by 60 ft | Asphalt |
Regarding the terminal, TUS airport is equipped with a terminal building that holds three Concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. You can find Concourse C in a separate building in the west section of the main terminal.
Tucson International Airport’s main terminal is organized into three distinct levels. The first level is dedicated to baggage claim and passenger pick-up, providing a seamless transition from arrival to ground transportation. The second level is the bustling hub of the terminal, with airline ticketing counters, a variety of concessions, TSA checkpoints, and airline gates.
Additionally, this level offers convenient access to a range of amenities to make your airport experience comfortable and enjoyable. The third level features meeting and conference rooms, as well as the offices of the Tucson Airport Authority, providing a convenient location for business travelers.
Concourse A
- Gates – A1-A9
- Airlines – Flair Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines
- Shopping Options – Gates Pass by Hudson, Tiendita-Arizona Sports, Tiendita–Kids Works, Tiendita–See’s Candles, and Tiendita–Spirit.
- Food Options – Beyond Bread, Dunkin’ Donuts, Empire Pizza, The Maverick, and Sir Veza’s Taco Garage
Concourse B
- Gates – B1-B11
- Airlines – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines
- Shopping Options – Fort Lowell by Hudson, Ink by Hudson, Mission Market – Belking, Mission Market – Spirit, Mission Market – Sunglass Icon, and Thunder Canyon Brewstillery
- Food Options – Beyond Bread, Bruegger’s Bagels, BUILT Custom Burgers, and El Charro Cafe
Concourse C
- Gate – C1
- Shopping Options – Market Express
Facilities and Services offered by TUS Airport
- Baggage Services
- Animal Relief Areas
- Lost & Found
- ATM Banking
- Military Lounge
- Computer Work Stations
- Global Entry Enrollment Center
- Mamava Lactation Suites
- Information and Paging
- Luggage Carts
- Meeting Rooms
- News and Gift Shops
- Food Options
- Designated Smoking Areas
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Water Fill Stations
- Ground Transportation
- Airport Parking Facility
- Car Rental Services, and more.
Airlines operating at Tucson International Airport
Seven airlines are flying nonstop from Tucson Int’l Airport (TUS) to 21 destinations airports in the U.S., and Canada. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Flair Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines are the major airlines operating out of TUS Airport.
| AIRLINES AT TUS AIRPORT | NONSTOP DESTINATIONS |
| Alaska Airlines | Everett (North Seattle), Portland, and Seattle |
| American Airlines | Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Phoenix |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis–St.Paul, Salt Lake City, and Seattle |
| Flair Airlines | Edmonton, Fort McMurray, London (Ontario), Prince George (British Columbia), and Windsor |
| Southwest Airlines | Chicago–Midway, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis–St. Paul |
| United Airlines | Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, Houston–Bush, and San Francisco |
TUS Airport Travel Tips
Here are some important travel tips you can follow for a seamless travel experience at TUS Airport.
- Arrive early: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time to allow ample time for parking, check-in, and security screening.
- Know your airline’s baggage policies: Each airline has specific policies and fees for baggage, so it’s important to check with your airline ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.
- Use TSA PreCheck: If you are a frequent traveler, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck to expedite the security screening process.
- Take advantage of airport amenities: Tucson International Airport offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restaurants, and shops. Take advantage of these amenities to make your airport experience more comfortable.
- Plan your transportation: Before arriving at the airport, research transportation options to and from the airport, such as rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation.
- Explore Tucson’s art: The airport features a diverse collection of local artwork throughout the terminal. Take some time to explore and appreciate Tucson’s vibrant art scene.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date on your flight’s status and any potential delays or cancellations by checking with your airline or monitoring the airport’s website or mobile app.
- Be mindful of security: Remember to follow all TSA guidelines for carry-on items, liquids, and prohibited items. Be prepared to remove your shoes, belts, and outerwear during the screening process.
If you are traveling with your pets, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.
- American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
- Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
- Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy
- JetBlue Pet Travel Policy
- Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy
- Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
- United Airlines Pet Travel Policy
Ryan Airfield (RYN)
Ryan Airfield (ICAO: KRYN, FAA LID: RYN) is a general aviation airport operated by the Tucson Airport Authority. The airport is located 12 miles southwest of the central business district of Tucson.
The airport acts as a general aviation reliever airport for Tucson International Airport (TUS). It is situated at an elevation of 2,419 ft (737 m) AMSL and features three asphalt runways: RWY 6R/24L (5,503 ft. long), RWY 6L/24R (4,900 ft. long), and RWY 15/33 (4,000 ft. long).
Ryan Airfield, spanning 1,804 acres, accommodates over 200 aircraft and hosts more than a dozen tenants providing a variety of services, including general aviation, charter operations, and flight instruction facilities.
Interestingly, Ryan Airfield is the sole airport in southern Arizona with an air traffic control tower managed under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract Tower Program, and the tower is operational from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Marana Regional Airport (AVQ)
Marana Regional Airport (ICAO: KAVQ, IATA: AVW, FAA LID: AVQ) is also categorized as a general aviation reliever airport for Tucson International Airport (TUS). It is located 15 miles northwest of Tucson in Marana, a town in Pima County.
Marana Airport is owned, and operated by the Town of Marana, and serves Tucson. The airport sits at an elevation of 2,031 ft (619 m) AMSL.
AVQ Airport covers a total area of 630 acres (250 ha), and features two asphalt runways: RWY 3/21 (3,893 ft. long), and RWY 12/30 (6,901 ft. long).
Marana Airport offers various aviation-related businesses including FBO, Aircraft Rental, Aircraft Catering, aircraft hangar, fueling, maintenance, and other general aviation operations.
What are the closest major airports to Tucson?
Besides TUS, RYN, and AVQ, there are lots of nearby airports to Tucson including primary international airports, and general aviation airfields.
| AIRPORTS NEAR TUCSON | DISTANCE FROM TUCSON | ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME |
| Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMA) | 8.8 miles | 14 minutes |
| Pinal Airpark (MZJ) | 29.1 miles | 29 minutes |
| Nogales International Airport (OLS) | 70 miles | 1 hour 9 minutes |
| Sierra Vista Municipal Airport (FHU) | 77.1 miles | 1 hour 18 minutes |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) | 106 miles | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Phoenix–Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) | 107 miles | 1 hour 31 minutes |
Conclusion on Airports in Tucson
As we come to the end of this informative blog, we explored three major airports in Tucson including the primary Tucson International Airport (TUS), and general aviation reliever airports: Ryan Airfield (RYN), and Marana Regional Airport (AVQ).
Tucson International Airport is the only airport in the city that offers flights to major U.S. cities, and international destinations. A total of 7 commercial airlines operate passenger flights to and from this airport.
Marana Regional Airport (AVQ), and Ryan Airfield (RYN) are the general aviation reliever airports for TUS as they offer aviation-related businesses.
TUS Airport is the best option if you are planning to visit the city, or nearby destinations.
FAQs on Airports in Tucson
How many airports are in Tucson Arizona?
There are several airports in Tucson, AZ however, the three important ones are Tucson International Airport (TUS), Ryan Airfield (RYN), and Marana Regional Airport (AVQ).
What are the closest airports to TUS?
Nogales International Airport (OLS), Sierra Vista Municipal Airport (FHU), Pinal Airpark (MZJ), Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), and Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are the closest airports to TUS.
What major airlines fly into Tucson?
The major airlines operating flights to and from Tucson International Airport (TUS) are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Flair Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
What airport does Southwest fly into in Tucson?
Southwest Airlines operates flights to Tucson International Airport (TUS), the primary commercial airport in the city of Tucson. The airline connects TUS with nonstop destinations including Chicago–Midway, Denver, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
