eNews August 2026
TUS August eNews
TUS the Official Airport of the University of Arizona
Tucson International Airport (TUS) continues its partnership with the University of Arizona through a variety of outreach efforts designed to encourage students, families, and alumni to choose TUS.
TUS has a presence during Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Admitted Student Day, Commencement, and you will even see Student Ambassadors wearing TUS branded apparel at the University of Arizona Welcome Center and during the thousands of Campus Tours given each year. After all, TUS is now the Official Airport of the University of Arizona!
Additional collaborations include outreach to fraternity and sorority organizations, inclusion in University of Arizona alumni communications, and holiday travel promotions featuring Lyft discount codes that help students and staff travel between campus and TUS with incredible ease.
Our TUS team is on campus during student and staff engagement events to highlight the convenience of flying from TUS and our route offerings. These efforts help build lifelong travel habits while supporting continued passenger growth and expanded air service for our community.
TAA Welcomes Chief of Police Thomas Bailey
Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) has named Thomas Bailey as Chief of Police after a nationwide executive search. Bailey joined TAA on July 27, 2026, and brings more than 32 years of law enforcement experience and expertise in aviation public safety, emergency management, airport security and organizational leadership to the Tucson Airport Authority Police Department (TAAPD).
As TAA Chief of Police, Bailey will serve as TAA’s senior law enforcement leader, overseeing sworn police officers, civilian uniformed public service officers, police administration, the Airport Communications Center and airport security operations at Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN).
Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of Police for the Port of Seattle, operator of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) where he provided executive leadership for law enforcement operations supporting one of the nation’s busiest airport systems.
“Chief Bailey’s experience and leadership skills well position him to lead the TAAPD as we continually strive to ensure our airport system prioritizes the highest level of safety and security” said TAA President/CEO Danette Bewley.
Throughout his career, Bailey has earned a reputation for collaborative leadership, operational excellence and building strong partnerships across law enforcement agencies, airport organizations and the communities they serve. His previous experience includes service for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Port of Seattle Maritime Operations, Oro Valley Police Department, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, University of Arizona Police Department and Arizona Army National Guard.
TAA’s current Chief of Police, Scott Bader, is retiring after 20 years of distinguished service with the TAAPD. We thank Chief Bader for his service to our community and wish him well in retirement.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Monsoon Season
Monsoon season brings unique challenges to our operational teams at TUS, and preparation begins well before the first storm arrives.
Teams across TAA inspect drainage systems, test emergency equipment and review response plans to prepare for high winds, lightning, heavy rainfall and localized flooding. During storm events, employees monitor conditions throughout the airport and work closely with airlines, tenants and emergency partners to maintain safe and efficient operations.
TUS is designated as a diversion airport when conditions at other airports in the Southwest U.S. are unable to accommodate the traffic due to extreme weather conditions. Likewise, other airports in the Southwest U.S. region can be TUS’ diversion airport should the conditions at TUS prevent the safe operation of aircraft due to extreme wind and weather events.
Every detail is planned, from knowing where specific aircraft types can park to working with our airline partners to manage inbound diversions, including international diversions. When aircraft intended for TUS must divert, we are in communication with the affected airlines and aware of the airport the flight has been sent to.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, our desire is to always maintain an ‘easy’ experience even on the most challenging travel days. TAA takes pride in maintaining positive relationships with our business partners. For that reason, TUS is ready for whatever storm comes its way this monsoon season.
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, while others have a deeper story.
ICT, comes from an older transliteration of Wichita that dropped the “W.” It’s one of the more puzzling codes of the Midwest.
The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport, CVG, is actually in Kentucky, and the code comes from the city of Covington, not from Cincinnati.
MDT, named for Middletown, where the Harrisburg airport is located, from its former name, Middletown Air Depot.
Seasonal Nonstop Flights Return to TUS
Peak season at TUS is just around the corner!
Beginning November 9th, Delta resumes nonstop service between TUS and Minneapolis (MSP), followed by Sun Country’s seasonal MSP service on December 11th.
Alaska Airlines brings back their incredibly popular flight to Orange County (SNA) on December 17th and Southwest Airlines, connects TUS to another California destination, Sacramento (SMF) on December 18th.
These seasonal routes provide TUS travelers with additional nonstop options, no matter the reason you travel. Avoid the long drive to Phoenix, start and end your trip at TUS, where we make it EASY to fly!
Plane Spotting at TUS
Alaska Airlines | Honoring Those Who Serve
