eNews June 2026
TUS June eNews
Seasonal Air Service Returns
TUS continues to see positive momentum in seasonal air service offerings at TUS. Southwest Airlines has announced the return of seasonal nonstop service to Sacramento, California (SMF), starting the week of Thanksgiving and running through the new year.
Additionally, Frontier Airlines has announced their return to TUS this fall (October 8th) with nonstop service to Denver (DEN), ensuring our community has access to an ultra-low-cost airline to meet their travel needs.
It is always important to remember that we must use our flights, or we will lose them. Airplanes and flight crews are always in high demand. Airlines respond to full flights and strong fare performance. With an average fare difference of only $42 vs. Phoenix, flying local has never been easier.
When you factor in other cost variables, such as the drive time each way to PHX along with the uncertainty of the I-10 experience, the cost of daily parking, the fare difference becomes negligible. TUS offers 19 nonstop destinations and access to over 450 worldwide destinations with a stop of less than 2 hours.
Community Tours Take Off at Tucson international Airport and Ryan Airfield
Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) continues to embrace its strategic priority of ‘Creating External Champions’ through our community partner tour series. Over the last month, TAA executives have presented updates on air service development, economic development, and capital projects, while also conducting airfield tours with the towns of Oro Valley and Marana, Pima County Supervisor Chair Jennifer Allen, the office of Pima County Supervisor Andres Cano, Cox Communications, and Banner Health. These tours are designed to strengthen critical relationships throughout Southern Arizona while also reinforcing the economic impact of both TUS and Ryan Airfield (RYN). Taking leaders behind the scenes helps them understand the full scale of our operation and the important role the airport plays in the economic vitality of our region.
Wildcats Travel TUS
TAA recently participated in the University of Arizona Supplier Showcase as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships within the University of Arizona community and reinforce TUS as the airport of choice for university-related travel.
During the event, TAA representatives introduced the Fly TUS First Program to university departments that frequently travel for business purposes, generating interest from more than 40 departmental contacts.
The University of Arizona continues to be a significant driver of passenger activity at TUS, particularly during commencement season. During the five-day graduation travel period this year (May 14–18), TUS averaged approximately 12,300 passengers per day compared to the May average of 10,600 passengers. This was an increase of approximately 16%.
To help capture commencement-related travel demand, TAA coordinated outreach encouraging families and visitors to book graduation travel through TUS. An early February graduate checklist email distributed through the university reached more than 14,000 recipients.
Summer TUS Parking Promo
Traveling this summer just got even easier and more affordable from TUS! From May 20 through July 31, enjoy FREE uncovered economy parking when you fly TUS!
Skip the drive to Phoenix and save on time, gas, and now parking, too. Use SUMMER26 as your free parking code, which can be applied when booking your trip from TUS online at flytucson.com. Receive up to 7 days of free parking!
It’s one more reason to Fly Local and Fly TUS this summer.
*Terms and conditions on Flytucson.com. Parking promotion applies only to economy uncovered*
Curious Airport Codes
Airport codes often have historic origins dating back decades, with many tied to former airport names, weather station designations, or very early aviation history. Here are some fun facts on airport codes!
Airport codes are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and often reflect much more than just the city name. Some codes are straightforward, like TUS for Tucson, DEN for Denver, and ATL for Atlanta; while others have a deeper story.
Did you know Orlando International Airport uses MCO because the airport was formerly McCoy Air Force Base? Or Chicago O’Hare is ORD, named after its original name, Orchard Field. Meanwhile, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is CLT because early airport identifiers often dropped vowels to keep codes short and distinct.
Airport codes may only be three letters long, but many carry decades of aviation history behind them.
