TUS March eNews

A Modern Way to Look and Book

The all-new Flytucson.com is officially live! Our newly refreshed website is the consumer's one stop shop for all things TAA, TUS, and RYN. From booking a flight, to renting a car, checking the public meetings schedule, or simply checking your flight status, FlyTucson.com has it all!

Click the link to explore our new website!

Spring Break Travel at TUS

Spring break has arrived at TUS with the first two weeks of March operating at peak levels! One of our busiest times of year, with four destinations with double digit seat capacity gains year-over-year. Salt Lake City (SLC), Phoenix, Las Vegas, and San Diego all have significant capacity gains this spring. Because of our newest route on Frontier Airlines to SLC, we have seen 33% seat capacity growth on this route. To maintain our growing route network, it is important to fly local. If added seats go unused, the airlines quickly reallocate the seats to other markets.

TAA Launches Free Parking Promotion

TUS is offering free parking for travelers who begin their trip at TUS and book a flight that connects at Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). The promotion offers up to seven days of free parking in the Uncovered Economy Lot when reserved online, giving passengers yet another great reason to start their journey at TUS rather than driving to Phoenix.

This initiative highlights the ease and efficiency of flying out of TUS, while also drawing attention to an airport parking option that many local travelers still underutilize. By offering this incentive, TUS aims to showcase just how simple and stress‑free it can be to fly locally.

The timing of this promotion aligns with expanded flight options through Phoenix. Southwest Airlines will launch twice daily TUS–PHX flights on March 5, 2026, joining American Airlines’ already established service and giving customers even more options to use TUS to reach destinations across the country and around the world with just one stop.

This offer is available for departures from March 1 through April 30, 2026. Travelers can qualify for the promotion and receive their validation code by e-mailing their flight details to [email protected]. 

“TUS Talks” with Bill Buckmaster

Join the TAA on the new “TUS Talks” hosted by Bill Buckmaster, who has interviewed thousands of newsmakers during his nearly 40-year tenure in Southern Arizona. An avid traveler, Bill has visited more than 100 countries, all 50 states, and most of the Canadian provinces. Listen to the first two episodes below and check back monthly for new episodes!

Fly Tucson First

We need your business to commit to fly TUS! The “Fly TUS First” program is designed to benefit local businesses that do a significant amount of travel by air and commit to flying from TUS exclusively. Perks include parking spaces close to the terminal, a dedicated security line just for members, and recognition of member companies in advertising provided by the Tucson Airport Authority. As advocates for Tucson Airport Authority, we encourage you to join the “Fly TUS First” program by emailing [email protected]. Capturing business traffic locally is critical in our quest to have the necessary air service data that supports new routes from TUS.

Mike Hamond (left), Chair of the Board of Directors for the Tucson Airport Authority and Danette Bewley (right), President/CEO, Tucson Airport Authority.

Tucson Airport Authority Completes 2026 Triennial Drill

TAA conducted a Triennial Emergency Exercise on February 25, 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This exercise is required every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure the airport remains fully prepared to respond to aircraft emergencies at TUS. The drill allowed our team to exercise the protocols of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command Structure (ICS), which is a standardized management structure used for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response efforts for incidents of any size and complexity.

The exercise included a simulated aircraft incident scenario that tested the response capabilities of airport first responders and airport personnel, as well as support from our mutual aid partners, including but not limited to the Arizona Air National Guard, Tucson Fire Department, Tucson Police Department and Pima County Sheriff’s Department. There were mock victims and mock press (and real press) to add reality to the drill. Delta Air Lines tested their Family Assistance and Reunification Plan, which is an important element of any incident or accident. The TAA opened its Emergency Operations Center, where representatives from TAA departments, federal agencies, military partners, Airlines, and other stakeholders gathered to support the incident. In addition, Banner Hospital was involved and tested their processes in receiving the mock victims.

This drill offered many insights and was incredibly successful. Furthermore, it highlighted the TAA’s high level of preparedness for an actual aircraft emergency.

The TAA is extremely grateful for the participation and support of so many stakeholders.

Click the link to watch news coverage on KOLD from the event.

Plane Spotting at TUS

Douglas C-47A Skytrain