Flagstaff Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Air Service

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is one of 14 airports across the United States selected to receive a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The $800,000 in federal grant funding will be used to incentivize an air carrier to provide new nonstop service to Denver or Salt Lake City.

The Small Community Air Service Development Program is designed to help small communities address air service and airfare challenges. This funding will allow FLG to offer incentives to an airline providing daily service to eastern or northern markets by establishing nonstop flights to Denver or Salt Lake City.

“FLG is excited to be a recipient of the SCASDP grant and eager to provide more connectivity to the northern Arizona region. More flight options create easier opportunities for travelers and stimulate economic growth throughout our community,” said Claire Harper, Airport Communications Manager. “The Small Community Air Service Development Program is unique in that it empowers communities to design solutions that reflect their specific air service needs and circumstances. FLG is ready to address northern Arizona’s air service challenges.”

Airport Director Brian Gall added, “This grant represents a major step toward strengthening regional connectivity and improving access for residents, businesses, and visitors. We are committed to expanding air service that meets the needs of our community, and this funding provides a strong foundation for long‑term success.”

This year, 56 communities applied for SCASDP funding, collectively seeking nearly $49 million in federal financial assistance. Demand for the program was highly competitive, with up to $14 million available. All selected communities are contributing local financial resources to support their projects, a commitment viewed as essential to the success of proposed initiatives. Nearly all applicants also demonstrated strong public–private partnerships, presented specific plans and timelines for deploying grant funds, and secured letters of support from interested air carriers.

FLG’s total project budget is $1,348,500, which includes $800,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation and $548,500 in in-kind contributions and community cash funding.

FLG obtained letters of support from two airlines, two airports, and more than 20 local community partners and elected officials. The airport extends its sincere appreciation to Wiseman Aviation, Nackard Companies, Katalyst Space Technologies, the City of Winslow, and Discover Flagstaff for providing critical community funding. These partners are not only contributing financial resources but also demonstrating strong dedication to launching and sustaining additional air service at FLG.

FLG currently has service to PHX and DFW on American Airlines.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.