Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (IATA: FLG, ICAO: KFLG, FAA LID: FLG) serves as an essential regional airport in northern Arizona. Owned by the City of Flagstaff, the airport handles commercial airline flights, air cargo and general aviation for the city and surrounding communities. 

In this in-depth guide, we explore Flagstaff Pulliam Airport’s facilities, operations, served destinations and economic significance as northern Arizona’s key transportation hub.

Strategic Location in Arizona’s High Country

Situated just 3 miles south of downtown Flagstaff situated along I-17, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport provides convenient regional airport access. Its location adjacent to Northern Arizona University makes it an important resource for the college as well as companies with significant Flagstaff operations like W.L. Gore and Associates and Nestlé Purina PetCare.

With its 7,000 foot main runway, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport offers the highest elevation commercial service in Arizona capable of handling mid-size jets. The rare combination of mile high altitude and advanced aviation infrastructure here serves key aerospace clients like Lockheed Martin and Honeywell conducting flight testing.

History Taking Flight in Northern Arizona

The beginnings of Flagstaff’s airport date to 1929 when the city purchased 640 acres of land south of the city center expressly for aviation use as Transcontinental Air Transport commenced the nation’s first coast-to-coast service with Flagstaff as a stopover. The first passenger terminal opened in 1930.  

Over the next decades, facilities expanded as Flagstaff became an important test center for aircraft systems under development. This aerospace niche strengthened during WWII when Flagstaff helped train bomber crews in high-altitude flying techniques. In 1961, the airport was formally named Pulliam in honor of early 20th century automobile dealer and city booster Howard Pulliam.

Inside Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Facilities & Operations

Flagstaff Pulliam occupies 1,300 acres with a single 150 foot wide by 7,000 foot long runway able to accommodate mid-size passenger jets alongside substantial general aviation and cargo traffic. Advanced instrument landing aids enhance operational reliability.  

The 35,000 square foot LEED Gold certified passenger terminal features TSA screening checkpoints, airline ticketing counters and baggage facilities, a coffee shop plus rental car and ground transportation desks. Behind the scenes, airport administration oversees rescue/firefighting services, aircraft fueling, maintenance crews and snow removal during northern Arizona’s winter months.

Airlines Serving Flagstaff Pulliam Airport

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport currently hosts commercial flights on American Airlines affiliate American Eagle. Multiple daily regional jet departures link Flagstaff with Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona’s major intercontinental gateway. United Airlines also previously served the airport.

Charter services and private planes utilize Pulliam for general aviation alongside substantial governmental and military operations. The Arizona Air National Guard’s Skyranch facility is located onsite supporting counter-drug reconnaissance missions from the Air Force and other federal agencies via RC-26 aircraft.

Economic Significance and Future Outlook

In addition to commercial airline service delivering over 175,000 Arizona visitors to Flagstaff annually, the airport serves another 125,000 general aviation flights ranging from corporate jets to single engine private planes for tourism, business and second home owner access. An on-site Amazon Prime Air cargo facility transports hundreds of packages daily.

The airport’s $175 million yearly economic output supports nearly 1,500 regional jobs, a substantial impact. With the city’s recent multimillion dollar acquisition of additional contiguous land for longer runways to enable larger aircraft, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport seems poised for growth serving northern Arizona’s diverse transportation demands.

So whether arriving by air to Flagstaff for a business trip, university symposium or to enjoy this popular ski and outdoor tourist destination, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport connects this unique high altitude location to destinations across Arizona and beyond.